winter swans Flashcards
like a pair of wing settling after flight
The quote “like a pair of wings settling after flight” from Owen Sheers’ “Winter Swans” is a powerful and evocative image that highlights themes of reconciliation, harmony, and the natural resolution of conflict within relationships. Through the graceful imagery of swans, Sheers conveys a sense of peace and unity, suggesting that, like the swans, the couple has found a way to move past their difficulties and settle into a harmonious state. This line beautifully encapsulates the emotional journey from tension to tranquility, emphasizing the possibility of renewal and connection in human relationships.
the clouds had given their all two days of rain and then a break in which we walk
Meteorological Culmination:
The metaphorical portrayal of the clouds as entities “giving their all” suggests a sense of culmination or exhaustion in the natural world, which could be paralleled with the emotional intensity or challenges faced by the couple. Just as the clouds have expended their energy through rainfall, the couple might have undergone trials or emotional turbulence that has reached a peak.
Temporal Intensity:
The temporal extent of the rainfall, spanning “two days,” underscores the enduring nature of the challenges or hardships experienced by the couple. This prolonged period of rain symbolizes the persistence of obstacles or conflicts within their relationship, indicating that their journey together has not been devoid of difficulties.
Transitional Interlude:
The subsequent “break” in the rainfall signifies a pivotal moment of transition or respite. This pause in the atmospheric narrative could symbolize a temporary reprieve from the challenges faced by the couple, offering an opportunity for reflection, reconciliation, or renewal. It suggests a shift in the relationship dynamics, where there is a chance for emotional healing or reconciliation to take place.
Human Engagement:
The act of “walk[ing]” amidst the changing weather conditions symbolizes the couple’s journey together, both literally and metaphorically. As they navigate the landscape, they are also navigating the complexities of their relationship. The shared experience of walking suggests a mutual effort to move forward and overcome obstacles together, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity between them.
“The waterlogged earth / gulping for breath at our feet”
Emotional Burden and Struggle:
The waterlogged earth serves as a symbolic representation of the emotional landscape inhabited by the characters. Just as the earth is weighed down by excess water, the characters may be burdened by unresolved conflicts, emotional turmoil, or external pressures that impede their connection and happiness.
Desire for Liberation and Renewal:
The image of the earth “gulping for breath” suggests a longing for liberation and renewal. This desire for relief from suffocating conditions parallels the characters’ yearning for resolution, healing, and the restoration of their relationship. It implies a shared aspiration to emerge from adversity and find a path towards emotional equilibrium and fulfillment.
Interconnectedness of Nature and Human Experience:
By portraying the earth as an active participant in the narrative, the quote underscores the interconnectedness between the natural world and the human experience. The struggles and triumphs of the characters are intimately intertwined with the rhythms of the natural environment, highlighting the profound influence of external forces on their internal lives and relationships.
