TWMMS - Stanza one

Question 1

“I say her phrases to myself”

Answer 1

The link between “her phrases” and “myself” is possessive suggesting they have a deep and personal bond

Question 2

“in my head”

Answer 2

The bond is internal and it’s her mums language that she hears which links her and her mum together. Since it’s in her “head” this suggests she’s constantly using her for comfort

Question 3

“under the shallows of my breath”

Answer 3

We associate “shallows” as being rapid breathing and when you’re nervous you breathe like that. This suggests she’s anxious telling us that when she’s nervous she’s uses her mum for comfort conveying their close bond

Question 4

“restful shapes moving”

Answer 4

This is a contradiction. The word “restful” has connotations of being still whereas “moving” is something in motion. The contradiction gives a sense of stillness and reflection

Question 5

“The day and ever. The day and ever”

Answer 5

The phrase “the day and ever” suggests that her mum will always be with her and for eternity. The repetition and italics is emphasising “the day and ever” as it resembles the sound of a train