The Ballard Of Rudolf Reed

Question 1

Form?

Answer 1

• 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

Question 2

Language?

Answer 2

•”Oaken”=

1. Disguises communities racism
2. 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

Question 3

Imagery?

Answer 3

• “RR was dead”= physically but also everything he stood for, his composure and calmness
• “bitter white” “corroded”= white people are unwelcoming+acidic like

Question 4

Rhyme scheme?

Answer 4

• 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

Question 5

Tone?

Answer 5

• 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

Question 6

Structure?

Answer 6

• chronological order= story like, fits with purpose of poem

* simple 4 line structure= easy to understand

Question 7

Links?

Answer 7

1. MFPM= “bitter white” contrasts with positive imagery of pureness of white
2. John Mouldy= character representing a wider issue
3. HOH= microcosm for wider issues (racism/society)

Question 8

Meaning?

Answer 8

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?