The Way My Mother Speaks Flashcards
I say her phrases to myself
in my head
“I say” - use of first person draws attention to Duffy and her own emotions/thoughts.
“her phrases” - pronoun “her” introduces Duffy’s mother and the strong bond between them.
or under the shallows of my breath
The poet is saying the words quietly to herself. Shallow breathing connotes anxiety. This gives the impression that she repeats her mother’s phrases in times of stress for reassurance.
Shallow breathing is caused by anxiety - quiet and privately, not to be shared or heard.
“shallows” also has connotations of water and waves. The reader can imagine that the sound waves are merging with the poet’s own breathing. This implies that her mother’s sayings are intrinsic to the speaker now.
restful shapes moving
Her mother’s words are described as “restful shapes moving”.
“restful” and “moving” is a contradiction. The process of sitting on a train makes moving restful – it can feel like you are still while the rest of the world races past you. “restful” is also quite reassuring. This is a moment of stillness and refection.
“Moving” can also be seen in another sense, suggesting the poet’s feelings - the phrases and journey are emotionally moving.
“shapes” reflect that the words have a physical shape that can be felt.
“restful” and “moving” - implies that Duffy remains stationary while the landscape outside the train is moving. The contradiction could also reflect the poet’s confusion as she experiences change.
The day and ever. The day and ever.
Italics stress the importance of the phrase and show that this is a direct quotation - one of the mother’s phrases.
Repetition mimics the rhythm of the travelling train. It also suggests the poet repeating the words to herself, calming herself.
The use of “ever” at the end of phrase refers to eternity. The journey and the bond between mother and daughter is long-lasting and eternal.
The train this slow evening
goes down England
The enjambment over two lines emphasises time slowing down.
“this slow evening” - illustrates the setting further with time of day. The evening is “slow” suggesting that time itself has stretched, and that she has the chance to think and reflect. The journey is a long one and the word choice in this stanza and stanza one (“restful”) suggest it is peaceful.
“goes down England” - colloquial language expands upon her mother’s voice and distinct use of words. Also, the informal tone suggests a shift from mature adult to young child.
browsing for the right sky,
“Browsing” suggests that the poet is not sure of her destination. This could reflect the idea of a young person leaving home. She is still trying to find “the right sky” implies that she is looking for a place to belong and she is trying to find her place in the world.
“browsing” - connotations of searching, looking and deciding. Therefore, the narrator implies that she is trying to find out who she is and what contributes to that as she becomes an adult. (Again, very similar to Originally.)
“right sky” - implies that Duffy is unsure of who she is and considers different aspects of (i.e. childhood, real life etc).
too blue swapped for a cool grey
Contrast between the colours “blue” and “grey” to reflect both a real and a metaphorical change. The move from blue to grey reflects the change from day to night on this evening journey. It also represents the move from childhood to adulthood.
“too blue” has connotations of sunshine and happiness – reflecting childhood. It also creates suggestions to the bright colours typically associated with childhood. However, “too” also creates the sense that this brightness is overwhelming and blazing. Assonance emphasises this further.
There may be a sense of relief as the poet moves into cooler shades. The “cool grey” suggests the uncertainty of becoming an adult. Life is becoming darker.
“blue” and “grey” - contrast in colour illustrates the difference between childhood and adulthood.
Metaphor: Just as this shift in aesthetic goes from bright to dull, so too the transition from child to adult involves a change from happy and innocent to dull and boring.
For miles I have been saying
Repetitive, comforts her for her long journey.
What like is it
Italics tells us that this another one of the mother’s phrases.
Again, repetition mimics the sound of the train.
The way I say things when I think
Her inner voice is linked with her mother’s – she thinks with the phrases her mother gave her.
This shows how deep and internal the bond between mother and daughter is – she is a part of her thought process.
Nothing is silent. Nothing is not silent.
The two short sentences are a contradiction. They create a sense of ambiguity that reflects the poet’s conflicting emotions about leaving home.
This line explores the relationship between internal and external dialogue further.
“Nothing is silent” She may mean everything makes a noise or she may mean that nothing (considering it as a place/thing) is silent.
“Nothing is not silent.”
Double negative suggest that the things that are not present (past and memories) still has a voice in your head and an influence.
What like is it
Repetition
Perhaps it is the mother’s voice that fills the silence.
Only tonight
Present tense
I am happy and sad
The simple word choice reflects a child’s simple and obvious understanding of emotions.
The contradictory emotions portray the bittersweet feeling she is experiencing. She is sad to leave her mother behind and she may be mourning the end of her childhood. However, she also feels optimistic about her future.
like a child
who stood at the end of summer
This line has both a literal and metaphorical meaning.
The simile could be a literal comparison to the changing of seasons.
The end of summer could also be a metaphorical description of the end of childhood. The innocence and charm of childhood is over. (The change of season also links back to the change in skies from stanza 2).
