The Ballard Of Rudolf Reed Flashcards
1
Q
Form?
A
- 3rd person= disassociates from poem: can be applicable to anyone, racism is still alive today
- stanzas 1-4 1st person= reader understands ‘goodness’ of Reed which contrasts with how he is treated
- Ballard= often uplifting: juxtaposes (thus emphasises) content of poem
2
Q
Language?
A
•”Oaken”=
- Disguises communities racism
- Natural/strong material (wood) which comes in many varieties
- “Yawning eye…”= instinctual shock of community, animalistic
- last line= mother accepts and expects more racism, knows there’s nothing she can do
3
Q
Imagery?
A
- “RR was dead”= physically but also everything he stood for, his composure and calmness
- “bitter white” “corroded”= white people are unwelcoming+acidic like
4
Q
Rhyme scheme?
A
- simple ABCB= accessible to any age to meet purpose
- stanza 10= becomes abrupt in the pseudo reality, indicating a change
- stanza 11= returns to usual: acceptance of racism
5
Q
Tone?
A
- repetition of good= this is a good hearted family with no bad intentions
- tone shifts to alien-like= RR no longer human after M hit, protective instincts
6
Q
Structure?
A
- chronological order= story like, fits with purpose of poem
* simple 4 line structure= easy to understand
7
Q
Links?
A
- MFPM= “bitter white” contrasts with positive imagery of pureness of white
- John Mouldy= character representing a wider issue
- HOH= microcosm for wider issues (racism/society)
8
Q
Meaning?
A
Black man and his family moving into a racist community.
Purpose: to educate young people
Ask the question is it justified to kill a man who acts out in racism?