Visiting Hour Flashcards
“I will not feel, I will not”
The repetition intensifies the control the speaker is trying to impose on themselves, denying their feelings as it’s too painful.
“I have to”
Enjambment - It shows the inevitability that this experience will have a long-term effect on the persona
“So much pain, so many deaths”
Repetition highlights the sheer volume of patients the nurses deal with and the emotional and physical pain they are exposed to everyday.
“Forgetfulness”
Memory fading, they are cut off from the rest of the ward.
“she smiles a little at this black figure”
She cannot recognise her visitor. “cave” shows as if she is only just existing. She is dehumanised and this reinforces the theme of isolation.
“Dizzily”
All the emotions that go with this experience
“Books that will not be read and fruitless fruits”
Paradox and oxymoron - Intensifies his distress and confusion. She is beyond reach and he can do nothing for her. She is past reading or eating. He has gone through the motions of a visit but knows his presence has made no difference in the final outcome.
