The Bargain

Question 1

“looking back, looking forward,/don’t know which way”

Answer 1

the couples relationship is deteriorating and unsteady

Question 2

“Yes today we’re in love aren’t we?”

Answer 2

the couples relationship is deteriorating and unsteady

Question 3

“All I want/is my glad eye to catch/ a glint in your flinty Northern face again.”

Answer 3

The speaker is looking for an indication that her partner still loves her.

Question 4

“our affection for the slightly cracked/ trap us”

Answer 4

Whilst the relationship may not be a good one, the couple does not seem to have the will to call an end to it.

Question 5

“we’ve never shouldered much./ We’ll stick to small ikons for our home.”

Answer 5

There is no real commitment or substance to the relationship.

Question 6

“I wish we could either mend things/ or learn to throw them away.”

Answer 6

The couple has to decide whether to try to make the relationship work or to walk away from it.

Question 7

“the whole splintering city”

Answer 7

Rival footballers as well as rival religions- breaking apart, possibly alike relationship.

Question 8

“big quick river wintry bridges”

Answer 8

Suggests fast paced and turbulence in the relationship, the gap symbolises distance in the couple and word choice or wintry suggests coldness and dullness alike the relationship