Stanza 3 Flashcards
‘the bed/a page’
Just as a page begins blank and is gradually filled with ideas of the writer, so it suggests excitement and anticipation of what they will experience in bed. Duffy is also suggesting Shakespeare’s inspiration for his work came from their lovemaking.
‘by touch, by scent, by taste’
Parallel structure and repetition emphasises number of different ways they enjoyed each other. Each item in the list becomes more intimate, suggesting a climax. Also shows how vividly she recalls these moments, as if she is immersing herself in the memories.
‘dozed on’
‘Dozed’ suggests lazy and lack of energy and passion. Their lovemaking lacks vitality and emotion, it is not special.
‘dribbling their prose’
‘dribbling’ has connotations of weak, pathetic and lifeless, again suggesting the guests’ ordinary, boring relationships. ‘Prose’ is tied to this idea, suggesting it lacks the creativity and passion of poetry.
‘living laughing love’
Alliteration draws the reader’s attention to the vitality she recalls when she was with him. She clearly remembers the joys of her relationship and the use of present tense suggests they are both still together in her mind and he is kept very alive in her memory.
