Wild Swans Flashcards
In what way does the persona seem to be suffering and what quote shows this?
They feel trapped as shown by their envy of the birds: “Nothing to match the flight of the wild birds flying” suggests she wishes for their freedom.
What does the persona feel about their life?
The persona feels that their life is monotonous and humdrum. They have a “Tiresome heart”. “What did I see I had not seen before?”
What implications does “House without air” have?
It sounds confining and restricting. The persona doesn’t call it their home which implies it lacks the words connotations of safety and calm.
Where is their contrast in the poem?
The idea of the airless house contrasts with the open air in which the wild swans fly.
Why does the persona hope the wild swans will “come over the town again?
The persona has found their freedom and hopes this time to go with the birds who she envied of their freedom.
What are the main messages of the poem?
We can change our lives as we please. If we feel trapped by routine or confined by circumstances, we are not alone and are capable of making changes that will make us more fulfilled.
What are some of the main themes of the poem?
Emotional exhaustion, uncertainty, isolation, freedom and constraint, nature.s
Why does the persona envy the wild swans?
They seem to fly with such direction and purpose. This contrasts with the speaker’s uncertainty, shown by “a question more or a question less”.
How is the flight of the birds significant?
We know that the flight of the birds is significant to the persona because they mention it many times. The act of flying requires certainty because of the constant effort it requires. The persona envies the certainty of this act and wishes to replicate it in their own life.
How was America different after the First World War?
Victory and the economic boom that followed it brought about a period of carefree living and a sense of well-being in the United States.
What was significant about technology in the 1920s?
It quickly affected almost every aspect of society, from science to the family kitchen.
How did city populations change?
Expanding industry offered vast numbers of work opportunities in cities. City populations therefore surpassed rural populations.
How did large city populations present problems?
High population density and diversity brought about conflicts over issues such as religion, prohibition of liquor, race relations and immigration.
What were Flappers?
Flappers were women who rejected convention, wore form-fitting dresses and attended parties where they could drink and smoke.
What changed about women’s role in society in the 1920s?
Women began to seek recognition of their abilities and were less likely to shy away from competition with men. As early as 1920, 25% of women were working outside the home. In the same year, women won the right to vote.
