Wodwo Flashcards
Who wrote Wodwo
Ted Hughes
When was wodwo published and in what collection
Published in 1967 in wodwo collecton
What is the theme of wodwo
Man and nature
Freedom of individuality
spiritual
What is the tone of wodwo
Questioning
Apprehensive
inquisitive
What is the structure of wodwo
- free verse (no rhyme scheme)
- conventional syntax and punctuation but loses all conventions
What is the form of wodwo
- dramatic monologue
- narrational poem
What is an overview of wodwo
“Wodwo” As a Representative of Primeval Nature of Man: The poem opens with the mythical figure of Wodwo, as Hughes shows him sniffing roots and questioning his own existence when finding something to drink and eat as he enters the water. This shows the curiosity of the primeval man, Wodwo. He is shown doing an investigation about his reflection in the water of that river and then starting inspecting a frog.
The confusing final words of Wodwo shed light on the philosophical plight of the poet that Wodwo’s thinking is not only about himself but also about nature in which he finds himself thinking about other things.
The wodwo is trying to understand what is is and leaves us wondering is this how the first human felt we will never know like we will never know exactly what the wodwo is
What are quick language techniques of Wodwo
Enjambment- “I seen separate from the ground” showing how he doesnt feel connected to the world.
Repetition of roots- shows the wodwo searching on two different levels; hes searching physically and emotionally to survive
Imagery- “Shape am i am i huge if i go”- “and heres the water.” to link reader to the 5 senses the wodwo is trying to understand
Symbolism of water and roots for elements necessary for life- This is used to signify the ideas and qualities that are different literal meanings. He uses roots to show how hes digging deep to find out what he is.
Quick context on Wodwo
Plath - “we wrote poems are are distinctive and different as our fingerprints themselves.”
Hughes posted little between 1962-1967 due to marriage ending and suicide
Hughes wrote Wodwo when “the country was a mess”
Hughes believes nature has a soul showed through letter “Why aren’t wild animals simply given the legal status of “fellow citizens”
The Word Wodwo is derived from Hughes favourite poems, The Anonymous Sir Gawain and The Green Knight of the 14th century.
