Winter Swans - Owen Sheers:

Question 1

Context:

Answer 1

In the collection ‘Skirrid Hill’- ‘Skirrid’ comes from the Welsh word ‘YSGARIAD’ meaning divorce / separation.

Question 2

Summary:

Answer 2

A couple reconcile after a break up.

Question 3

Form:

Answer 3

Mostly written in tercets making each stanza look unbalanced. The uneven line lengths paired with a lack of rhyme contribute to the feeling disjointedness – the troubled nature of the couple’s relationship. However, frequent enjambment demonstrates it’s continuity. The final stanza is a rhyming couplet – showing they’ve been reunited as a couple.

Question 4

Structure:

Answer 4

Separated for first five stanzas and reunite for the final 2. The swans show a turning point at the start of stanza 3 – they’re beautiful and inspirational compared to the previous suffering.

Question 5

Natural Imagery:

Answer 5

How their relationship struggles – swans are part of natural world, so love is natural, influencing the couple.

Question 6

Contrasts:

Answer 6

Disturbance and peace, separation and togetherness, leaving then returning.

Question 7

Direct Speech:

Answer 7

One small piece of dialogue – shifts focus back onto couple and breaks silence – hope.

Question 8

Themes:

Answer 8

Tension – something had happened as the earth is ‘gulping for breath’.

Peace – at end – had problems, return and are settled.

Question 9

Compare to:

Answer 9

Sonnet 29, Singh Song!, Letters From Yorkshire.