The Ballard Of Rudolf Reed Flashcards

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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
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2
Q

Language?

A

•”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
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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
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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
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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
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6
Q

Structure?

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

* simple 4 line structure= easy to understand

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7
Q

Links?

A
  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)
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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?

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