steelworks Flashcards
what does steelworks explore in the poem
the deindustrialisation of wales losing its prime industry and forcing its workers into unemployment.
what is the main idea in the poem
trapped in the idea of physical masculinity.
what is the main context for steelworks
the steelworks in south wales in the 1930s was the largest steal mill in europe - survived world war two bombardment. however it closed in 2002 and demolished in 2003 due to the demolishment of steal and coal production.
except it does not work anymore.
steelworks was shut down and became redundant.
the end stopped line shows an abrupt appreciation for the steelworks.
a deserted mothership
lonely and sterile image juxtaposes connotations of community support.
becalmed on the valley floor
links to landscape - beautiful and remote stillness.
however there has been a gradual change which now culminates in complete deindustrialisation of wales.
padlocks rusting on the gates
impossibility of the steelworks being reopened - reached a sense of finality.
and birds nesting in the breathless vents
human domination of steelworks has been deserted but it has turned to nature.
shows a lack of activity from industrial sights.
the work happens elsewhere now
claims a defeated attitude towards the welsh.
wales cannot compete with mechanisation in other countries.
sometimes all day - men pressing and dipping
in the lifting bays locking out elbows
the welsh identity and pride of masculinity has been taken away - this is at attempt to mask the emptiness of their lives.
or just kneeling and bowling
to the benediction of a lateral pull
ongoing repetitiveness of their actions = sad presentation of an endless cycle.
the gym is now their place of worship and it is saving them from boredom.
with screwed tight eyes pneumatic sighs
attempts to block reality - their loss of jobs and purpose. they are reduced to shadows of what they once were.
also shows deindustrialisation as an illness that affected all the people who lived there. reflects the rawness of the scene - working under intense lights and shows the harshness of being unforgiving to men.
while at the window - still the rain
reflects mans defeated spirits - silent tragedy of the loss of their way of life.
rolling off the clouds in sheets
barrier between men and outside world - endless repetition that shapes their lives.
across a brushed metal sky
reflects the welsh identity and how their industry has failed but nature continues to eternally provide for wales.
