winter swans Flashcards
The clouds had given their all
Personification of the weather - the heavy rain may reflect the problems in their relationship
The waterlogged earth gulping for breath at our feet as we skirted the lake
Personification of the earth’s desperation links to how their relationship is struggling for life. ‘skirted’- could mean they are keeping their distance from each other/ avoiding the issues that trouble them
They halved themselves in the water
‘halved’ suggests separation, but also that the swans were a whole to begin with - reflects the couples relationship
Icebergs of white feather.. like boats righting in rough weather
‘iceberg’ metaphor could suggest that the couple keep things hidden from each other and aren’t communicating.
Simile shows it’s been a rough time for their relationship but things are becoming more stable.
I noticed our hands, that had, somehow, swum the distance between us
Sibilant sounds throughout the stanza create an impression of softness - reflects the softening tension. They have become closer physically but also emotionally
like a pair of wings settling after flight.
Simile to show that they’re no longer separate but part of one whole. ‘wings’ - swan imagery reflects how they’re following the example of the swans.
Full stop emphasises the sense that the trouble in their relationship has been resolved
