Singh Song Flashcards
What is the poem about?
Poem focuses on the love a shop-worker has for his wife, he abandons his duties in the shop to make love to her when no one is noticing.
What is the form of the poem?
Melodic form that reflects the title. Stable rhythm that sounds like song. Some lines mimic a chorus. Separated stanzas reflects adversity faced when trying to spend time together.
What is the structure of the poem?
Repetition of “she say// I say” gives sense of conversation and connection between couple.
What is the context of the poem?
Punjabi Sikh. Sort of tribute to his parents who moved from India to England in the 1950s and started a shop.
Who wrote the poem?
Dalit Nagra
What can be said about the title of the poem?
Pun for Indian name. Sense of jovial familiarity. Exclamative.
Finish and analyse the quote: “I ran _____ my daddy’s ____” LINE 1
“I ran just one ov my daddy’s shops”
Childish language shows his father may have control him and his marriage as he works him hard.
Finish and analyse the quote: “but ven _________, I do di ______-“ LINE 4
“but ven nobody in, I do di lock-“
Rebels against father and takes life into his own hands.
What can be said about the dialect used in the poem?
Reflects typical language used by Indians in Britain. Situates poem into context of a specific community.
“di” instead of “the”
and “ver” instead of “where”
What can be said about the repetition of “My bride”?
He cannot get her out of his mind and wishes to be with her. He is proud of her. “bride” instead of “wife” suggests the marriage is new and exciting.
Finish and analyse the quote: “Like vee rowing _______” LINE 9
“Like vee rowing through Putney”
Adds sense of comedy and humour. Unusual simile to describe making love.
Finish and analyse the quote: “High heel_______ di ______” LINE 18
“High heel tap di ground”
New bride is glamorous and embraces Western culture. Monosyllabic words imitate sound of heels. Symbol of temptation and femininity?
Finish and analyse the quote: “ven I finish from ________ bride” LINE 35
“ven I finish from di tickle ov my bride”
Playful and affectionate relationship reflecting newness of marriage.
Finish and analyse the last two lines of the poem: “from di stool _______,// is _______ baby”
“from di stool each night I say,// is priceless baby”
Their love is more important than money. Poem left hanging showing the couple looking to the future.
