The Way My Mother Speaks Flashcards
“I say her phrases to myself”
First person narration, makes it personal and shows the speaker’s actions.
“in my head”
Word choice, private experience, alone.
“or under the shallows of my breath,”
Metaphor connotations of anxiety, longs to hear the familiar words.
“restful shapes moving.”
Paradox, confusion echoes the speaker’s feelings.
“The day and ever. The day and ever.”
Repetition mimics movement of the train, emphasises loss and how long the negative feelings will last, do not want to forget.
“The train this slow evening”
Broad vowels, slow it down like the train journey.
“browsing for the right sky,”
Word choice of “ browsing” has connotations of searching, looking for where they belong, “right sky” suggests there is a place that looks right and suits them.
“too blue swapped for a cool grey.”
Word choice of “blue” has connotations of sun, warmth, comfort and happiness. “cool grey” has connotations of misery and cold, uncertainty. Focus on lack of perfection in both places.
“For miles”
Emphasise the distance travelled.
“What like is it”
Colloquial language and repetition.
“the way I say things when I think.”
Highlights the contrasting identities. The way the speaker thinks and acts are different. Link to roots and background etc.
“Nothing is silent. Nothing is not silent.”
Repetition of “nothing” has connotations of negative feelings, loss, hesitancy and confusion. Sounds in their head are so silent but they can hear them as if they are real/overwhelming. Double negative shows a realisation that they do not need to abandon roots/ reluctant to forget their mother and past.
“What like is it.”
Colloquial language and repetition.
“Only”
Word choice suggests once in a lifetime opportunity.
“I am happy and sad like a child”
Word choice – contrast/confusion, more confident and hopeful for the future. Simile – compares the speaker to a child, suggests innocence and hope as moving in adulthood, connection to past but embracing present to thrive in life.
“end of summer”
Symbolises a time of change, growing up and moving on.
“dipped”
Word choice of “dipped” suggests a tentative, cautious approach.
“green, erotic pond.”
Metaphor – links to growing up and emerging sexuality Word choice of “pond” suggests new depths to explore, new experiences, excitement.
“The day and ever. The day and ever.”
Repetition emphasises the continuing journey and permanent change.
“I am homesick, free, in love”
List – contradiction of positive and negative, more positive as journey ends, moving forward, link to past and stay in love with roots and memories which will remain with them.
“the way my mother speaks.”
Repetition – full circle, return to title, free to create own future and remain connected to the past, positive tone to end.
