Winter Swans Flashcards
What was the name of the collection of portions that ‘Winter Swans’ was a part of and why was it called this?
‘Skirrid Hill’
Translates as ‘Shattered mountain’
Skirrid also means ‘divorce’ or ‘separate’
What happens in winter swans?
A couple are taking a walk around a lake after days of bad weather.
They watch a pair of swans as they walk in silence.
As they watch the swans they come together and walk the rest of the poem holding hands.
Why does Own Sheers use pathetic fallacy in ‘Winter Swans’?
To subtly convey the turbulence of the couple’s relationship.
At the beginning, there had been “two days of rain” which could represent an argument or that there has actually been a storm.
How have the stanzas been structured and why are they structured in this way?
The poem is written in three line stanzas (tercets). (There is something between them in their relationship)
They have no regular length or rhyme scheme.
The poem is given a disjointed sense to reflect the couple’s separation.
The final couplet at the end shows that they have reunited and there is nothing between them anymore
Why is ‘Winter Swans’ set by a lake?
They “skirt” the lake, avoiding the problems in their relationship.
The swans are “like boats righting in rough weather”, which hints at the coming reconciliation of their relationship.
How are pronouns used in ‘Winter Swans’?
“we” and “us” are used throughout the poem to show that this is just a blip in their relationship.
Although the couple are estranged, they are still connected and together
How is the theme of reconciliation presented in ‘Winter Swans’?
At the beginning,they are “silent and apart”, showing the turbulence in their relationship.
By the end, their hands have “swum the distance between us” without them even realising it. They have got over what was between them.
When does Sheers use direct speech in ‘Winter Swans’?
“‘They mate for life’ you said as they left”
Marks the turning point as the image of the mating swans reunites the estranged lovers.
Give two examples of similes in ‘Winter Swans’.
“like boats righting in rough weather” (foreshadows the reconciliation if the lovers + refers to the storm at the beginning of the poem)
“like a pair of wings settling after flight” (symbolises the end of their argument)
How could you compare ‘Winter Swans’ to ‘Neutral Tones’?
Both have a winter setting.
Both use natural imagery to reflect a relationship.
Both depict a relationship that has stagnated.
How could you compare ‘Winter Swans’ to ‘Letters from Yorkshire’?
Both show a continuing relationship rather than the beginning or end of one.
Both focus on everyday aspects of a relationship.
How had Sheets used natural imagery in ‘Winter Swans’?
At the beginning there has been a storm: the ground is “gulping for breath” (it’s in danger and needs help like their relationship).
“the swans came and stopped us” (stopped the arguing and repaired their relationship).
How is punctuation used in ‘Winter Swans’?
Enjambment at the beginning.
More punctuation as the poem develops.
They have taken a break and their relationship has gone back to normal.
How has Sheers used metaphors in ‘Winter Swans’?
The swans “halved themselves” as they go underwater to find food. Implies there’s secrecy in their relationship. They feel like they have lost half of themselves due to their argument.
