The Emigree Flashcards
What is the poem about?
The poem explores the memory of the poet and their experiences in a far off city they spent time in as achild. The writer contrasts the happy memories of a child with the truths as an adult in whcih was the reason why they had left in the first place.
How is identity presented within the poem?
The lack of specificity and detail of the narrator as well as the repetition of the vague pronoun ‘they’ indicates that the subject applies to everybody, almost emphasising the unimportance of individuals.
How is power and conflict presented within the poem?
Conflcit is presented in the contrast of despite leaving the place, being very dangerous, the speaker passionately loves it. Conflicted emotions between place and people.
What does the on-going enjambment create?
It portrays the unstoppable nature of time, thus the refugees and migrants are powerless in time.
All together, what does the free verse, enjambment and caesuras create as a whole?
It represents the chaos in the place that she loves, and perhaps the lack of power that the speaker has, thus she simply cannot go there. The danger is shown through the chaotic disorganised structural features of the poem. This is juxtaposed with the regular stanza length which is the speaker’s way of imposing order and refusing to be overcome by the negativity of the conflict.
What is the key quotation within the poem?
‘my shadow falls as evidence of sunlight’
- the contrast of darkness and light used to show the speker is coming to terms with the two seperate identities.
What is the link to another poem?
Tissue
