The Tenant Flashcards
What does the choice of the word “tenant” imply about the nature of love? Provide evidence from the text to substantiate your response.
[2]
The word “tenant” implies a transient or temporary nature to love. The speaker describes how “the only tenant who ever lived there left”, highlighting a sense of abandonment and impermanence.
What is the effect of the placement of the line break between ‘left’ (line 3) and ‘some’ (line 4)
Enjambment between “left” and “some” creates a moment of suspense. Suggests one-sided finality: The tenant left completely with nothing behind, however, the speaker still carries remaining baggage from the relationship.
What part of speech is ‘even’ (line 5)? Comment on its effect in context.
Even = adverb
Shows the speakers disbelief from the sudden departure. It was unanticipated and beyond the speakers control.
What does the word ‘simply’ (line 6) suggest about the manner in which the tenant left?
The departure was abrupt without explanation. Explains why the speaker feels abadonded.
Identify two things that are metaphorical representations of ‘old memories’ (line 11), and comment on the effectiveness of both in the context of the poem.
- “marks on the walls” (line 13)
- “the luggage” left behind (line 8)
Coveys the long lasting impact of past relationships. Marks are the impressions left by the partner. Luggage is the unresolved feelings/emotional baggage that linger.
Illustrates the physical and emotional reminants of past relationships and how hard it can be to let go.
What does the poem suggest about the effect of memories? Provide evidence from the text to substantiate your response.
Memories have a lasting effect.
“I could possibly live with the marks on the wall,”
“Some are completely idelible”
indicating that the memories are indelible and still occupy space in the speaker’s heart.
Why might the speaker be ‘afraid’ (line 16) of the ‘empty space’ (line 18)?
The speaker viewed the relationship as a part of themselves. Empty space would mean facing life without familiar feelings of the relationship. This absence of her partner is lonliness.
Describe the tone of the poem, drawing on evidence from the text to substantiate your response.
The tone is melancholic and reflective. The speaker expresses a sense of loss and longing. “I keep hoping he will come back.” suggests grieving the loss of a loved one.
Comment on the use of punctuation for the end of line 18.
The lack of punctuation leaves the thought open-ended. It is a rhetorical question which does not expect an answer. Represents the speakers unresolved heart.
Subject matter
SPEC/SLIMS
The poem describes the speaker’s experience of abandonment by a former lover, who left memories that linger in the speaker’s heart.
Purpose (theme)
SPEC/SLIMS
Impermanance of life, attatchment, loss and grief of past relationships.
Emotion (Mood)
SPEC/SLIMS
The mood is nostalgic and melancholic. Feelings of reluctance or inability to move on.
Craftmanship: Structure
SPEC/SLIMS
The poem is free verse with no set stanza pattern, mirroring the speaker’s disjointed and unresolved emotions.
Craftmanship: Language
SPEC/SLIMS
Diction is evocative. Words like “hoping” and “afraid” tell us the speaker is reflecting on the past and is afraid
Craftmanship: Imagery
SPEC/SLIMS
Metaphores such as “luggage” (Emotional baggage) and “marks on the walls” (lasting impression)
