Stealing Flashcards
What is the poem about?
The poem details the life and experiences of a disillusioned youth - a delinquent
“a snowman”
Personification and symbolism. A symbol of alienation and disconnection from the ‘outer’ world. The speaker’s treatment of the snowman could also imitate their self-destruction and destructive behaviour to those around them
“he looked magnificent; a tall, white mute beneath the winter moon”
Lyrical language. Seems quite unusual for the speaker to talk in this way - could show that the person is actually an innocent and more sensitive person than they show. Suggests that this violent, careless behaviour is more of a persona for the speaker to hide their insecurities and worries - misunderstood by the rest of the world
“as cold as the slice of ice within my own brain”
Simile. Shows that the speaker is emotionally disconnected and creates a sense of coldness as a person. The snowman is shown to be a wanted companion by the speaker, however, it is an emotionally cold and frustrated companionship. Emphasising the speaker’s disconnection and alienation from the rest of the world
“he weighed a ton”
Hyperbole. Emphasising the sheer heaviness of the snowman - symbolises the speaker’s own heavy weight of guilt, perhaps, on their shoulders.
“Again. Again”
Repetition. Creates the sense that the speaker is almost child-like and irritated. Suggests that the speaker perhaps suffered hardship in their earlier childhood which resulted in delinquency and self-destruction. Repetition implies that this is a regular thing for the speaker to be doing - being a delinquent
“My breath ripped out in rags”
Personification and alliteration. Sense of violence and unwanted helplessness. The speaker is almost calling out for help - the harsh sound of “ripped” and “rags” emphasises the sense of violence.
“The most unusual thing I ever stole?”, “You don’t understand a word I’m saying do you?”
The poem begins and ends with a question. Creates the sense that a conversation is happening which is emphasised by the question and answer format of the poem. Ending on a question suggests that Duffy is asking the reader to consider if they, in particular, understand another person properly and fully, and understand their lives and experiences. “Do you?” suggests that the speaker finds his “work” original and creative and is in a way proud of his style of coping with his insecurities. “Don’t understand” - the speaker is misunderstood still. Perhaps his reasoning for his horrific actions and behaviour is that he is misunderstood - that is part of the bigger problem - emphasising the sense of alienation once again.
“The most unusual thing I ever stole?/A snowman.”
Hypophora (rhetorical question and answer, both by the speaker). Creates a one sided dialogue between the reader and the speaker. A dramatic monologue which emphasises the sense of isolation and complete loneliness the speaker feels.
