Winter: My Secret

Question 1

What is this poem about?

Answer 1

The speaker tantalises her listener with the idea she has a big secret, one she’ll never tell.
The more she insists she wants her privacy, the more fascinated the listener becomes. This is exactly what the speaker hopes for.

Question 2

When was this poem published?

Answer 2

In her 1862 GM + other poems collection

Question 3

What are the main themes in this poem?

Answer 3

Secrecy and power

Question 4

What are the main symbols in this poem and what do they represent?

Answer 4

Winter / cold — symbol of invasion intrusion and excessive curiosity.
Clothing — winter clothing symbolise her secrecy. ‘Shawl’ ‘veil’ ‘cloak’ all represent Victorian decency also.

Question 5

What is the rhyme scheme of this poem?

Answer 5

ABACBDDBEEBFFFGG
Internal rhyme also prominent, adding to the playful and bouncing lyrical quality. It prevents her well-guarded secret from seeming too solemn.

Question 6

What is the form of this poem?

Answer 6

34 lines broken into 4 irregular stanzas, ranging from 5 to 16 lines long.
The stanza becomes long when she reveals what happens when people attempt to pick at her through layered veils of secrecy.

Question 7

What is the meter of this poem?

Answer 7

Mostly iambic, it’s far from consistent however.
Lines change without warning, i.e from iambic pentameter to iambic trimeter.