The Way My Mother Speaks Explanations Flashcards
“I say her phrases to myself”
First person narrative draws us into her thoughts and feelings. shows how connected she is to her mother, even in distance
“shallows of my breath”
shows importance her mother has like breathing. infers anxiety about journey but mother comforting her.
“restful shapes moving”
emphasises mixed emotions and her thoughts, like the literal journey moving.
“The day and ever. The day and ever”
italics shows she is remembering. connection to mother being forcer. repetition mimics rhythm of the train, shows its like a mantra to calm her mind.
“The train this slow evening”
imagery - time feels like its been stretched, providing a pause to reflect on the stage stage of her life from childhood into adulthood, as a slow journey
“too blue swapped for a cool grey”
shows the transition from childhood into adulthood, where in first sunshine and happiness into a more dull and day to night. This shows the uncertainty of adulthood.
“Nothing is silent. Nothing is not silent”
double negative connects two short sentences and implies that memories and past still have an impact/influence on you now.
“I am happy and sad.”
contrasting emotions, sad to leave childhood/mother but excited about the future
“like a child who stood at the end of summer”
seasons to represent changes in life, where childhood is summer and it is coming to an end. like back to ‘too blue’
“dipped a net”
shows it is just the start of adulthood and not fully immersed yet.
“green erotic pond”
contrast between naivety and adult world/maturity
“I am homesick, free, in love with the way my mother speaks”
emphasises her mixed emotions - contrasting: homesickness and excitement. Does not reflect roots but instead embraces them into the new place of her life.
