Key quote:
"In silence and tears,
Half broken-hearted"
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Key quote:
"In silence and tears,
Half broken-hearted"
Analysis:
Byron uses diction associated with pain, such as "silence and tears" and "Half broken-hearted" to depict the sorrow, anguish and vulnerability of the speaker following the end of the relationship.
Key quote:
"Pale grew thy cheek and cold,
Colder thy kiss;"
Analysis:
The imagery of "pale" and "cold" symbolises the fading affection of the lover, intensifying the speaker's sense of loss. The repetition of "cold" emphasises the emotional distance and death-like finality of the separation.
Key quote:
"Thy vows are all broken,
And light is thy fame"
Analysis:
The use of "broken vows" highlights the feelings of betrayal and loss of trust in the relationship. Describing the lover's fame as "light" suggests a superficial or fleeting nature, which is contrasted with the depth of the speaker's emotions.
Key quote:
"A knell to mine ear;
A shudder comes o'er me—"
Analysis:
The metaphor of a "knell", with its connotations of death, creates a sombre tone, illustrating the speaker's pain upon hearing the lover's name. The physical reaction of "shudder" also conveys the emotional impact of the speaker's profound grief.
Key quote:
"Long, long shall I rue thee,
Too deeply to tell."
Analysis:
The repetition of "long" conveys the enduring nature of the speaker's regret and sorrow. The phrase "too deeply to tell" conveys speaker's inability to fully articulate their anguish.
Key quote:
"In secret we met —
In silence I grieve."
Analysis:
The juxtaposition of "secret" and "silence" highlights the clandestine nature of the relationship and the speaker's private sorrow. This reinforces the theme of secrecy and the emotional burden of unexpressed grief.
Key quote:
"That thy heart could forget,
Thy spirit deceive."
Analysis:
The speaker expresses disbelief and pain over the lover's ability to forget and deceive. The use of "heart" and "spirit" suggests a betrayal of both emotion and integrity, deepening the speaker's sense of betrayal and loss.
Key quote:
"If I should meet thee
After long years."
Analysis:
The hypothetical scenario of a future encounter underscores the speaker's lingering attachment and unresolved emotions towards the lover. This reflects the theme of enduring sorrow and the inability to fully move on from the past.
Key quote:
"How should I greet thee?—
With silence and tears."
Analysis:
The repetition of "silence and tears" reinforces the poem's central theme of sorrow and emotional pain. This final line encapsulates the speaker's enduring grief and inability to find closure, leaving the reader with a sense of unresolved longing.
Key quote:
"They know not I knew thee,
Who knew thee too well —"
Analysis:
Byron highlights the speaker's inner conflict, juxtaposing the secrecy of their past relationship with the speaker's intimate knowledge of their former lover. The juxtaposition of "know" and "knew" underscores the speaker's intimate familiarity.
Key quote:
"The fountains mingle with the river"
Analysis:
Shelley's choice of the verb "mingle" evokes a sense of fluidity and unity, portraying the seamless blending of natural elements. Through this language, he highlights the interconnectedness inherent in both nature and love.
Key quote:
"Nothing in the world is single;"
Analysis:
The choice of the "single" illustrates Shelley's emphasis on the connectivity and unity of all things, underscoring that love is an intrinsic part of existence.
Key quote:
"See the mountains kiss high Heaven"
Analysis:
The verb "kiss" imbues Shelley's use of personification with a sense of intimacy, portraying the mountains' interaction with the sky as a tender embrace.
Key quote:
"And the sunlight clasps the earth,"
Analysis:
Through the physicality of the verb "clasps," Shelley personifies sunlight, endowing it with affection, warmth and intimacy as it embraces the earth, but with undertones of desire.
Key quote:
"What is all this sweet work worth
If thou kiss not me?"
Analysis:
Shelley's use of the rhetorical question "What are all these kisses worth" prompts contemplation on the value of love and reveals his speaker's desire. Through this device, he urges the listener to reciprocate.
Key quote:
"And the winds of Heaven mix for ever"
Analysis:
Through the verb "mix," Shelley personifies the winds, portraying them as active participants in an eternal union. It imbues the scene with a sense of perpetual motion and harmony, echoing the theme of everlasting love.
Key quote:
"All things by a law divine"
Analysis:
Shelley's use of religious language underscores the idea of love as a fundamental force ingrained in the fabric of existence.
Key quote:
"No sister-flower would be forgiven"
Analysis:
The use of the conditional statement "would be forgiven" implies a moral imperative within nature. It suggests that deviating from the natural order of love incurs consequences, reinforcing the theme of love's universal law.
Key quote:
"And the moonbeams kiss the sea —"
Analysis:
Through the repetition of "kiss" throughout the poem, Shelley reveals the speaker's desire. Here he anthropomorphises the moonbeams, depicting them as tender lovers in an embrace.
Key quote:
"If thou kiss not me?"
Analysis:
Shelley's use of the conditional statement "If thou kiss not me" conveys a sense of urgency and longing. It heightens the emotional intensity of the speaker's plea and highlights a profound desire for reciprocated love.
Key quote:
"The rain set early in to-night
The sullen wind was soon awake,
It tore the elm-tops down for spite,"
Analysis:
Browning sets a foreboding atmosphere with the imagery of rain and wind foreshadowing the tragic events to come. The present tense phrase "set in to-night" adds immediacy.
Key quote:
"And spread, o'er all, her yellow hair,"
Analysis:
The imagery of Porphyria spreading her hair creates a sense of intimacy. It symbolises her willingness to share her vulnerability with the speaker in their shared moment.
Key quote:
"As a shut bud that holds a bee,"
Analysis:
Browning's simile evokes a sense of impending danger. It foreshadows the tragic climax of the poem.
Key quote:
"I propped her head up as before,"
Analysis:
The speaker's detached tone and repetition of actions underscore his disturbing lack of remorse. It conveys his chilling approach to the aftermath of the murder.
Key quote:
"And thus we sit together now,
And all night long we have not stirred,"
Analysis:
The image of the speaker sitting with Porphyria's corpse illustrates the speaker's delusional belief in their eternal togetherness, but also for the reader, the finality of her death.
Key quote:
"Happy and proud; at last I knew
Porphyria worshipped me; ..."
Analysis:
Browning's use of "worshipped", with its religious connotations, reflects the speaker's ego and portrays Porphyria's adoration as absolute. This reinforces the imbalance of power in their relationship.
Key quote:
"I warily oped her lids: again
Laughed the blue eyes without a stain."
Analysis:
Browning's choice of the verb "laughed" to describe the eyes of the deceased Porphyria conveys the speaker's unsettling detachment from reality as it contrasts with the gravity of his actions.
Key quote:
"And yet God has not said a word!"
Analysis:
Browning's use of religious references adds a chilling dimension to the speaker's delusion, as he believes that God has not intervened or condemned his actions. This highlights the speaker's warped morality and his unrepentant attitude towards his crime.
Key quote:
"I think of thee! —my thoughts do twine and bud
About thee, as wild vines, about a tree,"
Analysis:
The use of the first-person and an exclamation emphasises the intensity of the speaker's thoughts, with an extended metaphor of a vine conveying longing. Verbs like "twine" and "bud" highlight how the speaker's thoughts have grown and flourished.
Key quote:
"Yet, O my palm-tree, be it understood"
Analysis:
The speaker shifts tone here, addressing her lover directly with an exclamation "O" and a metaphorical term of endearment "palm-tree". This shift suggests a more passionate and direct plea.
Key quote:
"I will not have my thoughts instead of thee
Who art dearer, better! Rather, instantly"
Analysis:
The word "instantly" and the exclamatory tone emphasises her urgency and longing for his return and the listing of "dearer, better" suggests the speaker's exaggerated love and praise for the beloved.
Key quote:
"Renew thy presence; as a strong tree should,
Rustle thy boughs and set thy trunk all bare,"
Analysis:
The speaker passionately instructs the lover to return. The erotic, extended metaphor of a tree and personification of the "boughs" rustling and the "trunk" being bare creates a sense of urgency and movement.
Key quote:
"And let these bands of greenery which insphere thee
Drop heavily down,— burst, shattered, everywhere!"
Analysis:
The "bands of greenery" suggest boundaries or restrictions to their love. The violent verbs "drop heavily down," "burst," and "shattered" emphasise the intensity of her desire.
Key quote:
"Because, in this deep joy to see and hear thee"
Analysis:
The sensory verbs "see" and "hear" highlight the importance of physical closeness.
Key quote:
"And breathe within thy shadow a new air,"
Analysis:
The line "breathe within thy shadow a new air" suggests a sense of renewal and transformation that will come with the beloved's presence. Their physical unity is both sensual and exciting.
Key quote:
"I do not think of thee — I am too near thee."
The physical closeness and intimacy of the lovers is reinforced by the line's symmetry, the dash (reflecting their connectedness) and the use of repetition of "I" and "thee".
Key quote:
"We stood by a pond that winter day,"
Analysis:
The poem opens with a simple statement establishing the setting: a cold, winter day. This bleak image sets the tone for the poem, foreshadowing the speaker's melancholic reflection on a lost love.
Key quote:
"And the sun was white, as though chidden of God,"
Analysis:
The personification of the sun, described as "white" and "chidden of God," suggests a lack of warmth and divine favour. This image contributes to the overall sense of desolation.
Key quote:
"And a few leaves lay on the starving sod;
— They had fallen from an ash, and were grey."
Analysis:
The personification of "starving sod" and "grey" leaves reinforces the bleak atmosphere. The fallen leaves, once vibrant, now lie lifeless, mirroring the speaker's perception of the dead relationship.
Key quote:
"Your eyes on me were as eyes that rove
Over tedious riddles of years ago;"
Analysis:
The speaker describes their former lover's gaze as distant and uninterested, comparing their eyes to those "that rove / Over tedious riddles of years ago." This suggests a lack of connection and a sense of the past haunting the present.
Key quote:
"The smile on your mouth was the deadest thing
Alive enough to have strength to die;"
Analysis:
This oxymoron describes the former lover's smile as "the deadest thing / Alive enough to have strength to die." This paradox highlights the speaker's perception of their love as a lifeless entity, slowly fading away.
Key quote:
"And a grin of bitterness swept thereby
Like an ominous bird a-wing ..."
Analysis:
The "grin of bitterness" suggests a forced smile masking deeper emotions. It is compared to "an ominous bird a-wing," foreshadowing a sense of misfortune.
Key quote:
"Since then, keen lessons that love deceives,
And wrings with wrong, have shaped to me"
Analysis:
A significant amount of time has passed, and the speaker reflects on the harsh lessons learned from love. The use of strong verbs like "deceives" and "wrings with wrong" emphasises the speaker's disillusionment.
Key quote:
"Your face, and the God curst sun, and a tree,
And a pond edged with greyish leaves."
Analysis:
The final line repeats elements from the first stanza, but with a shift in tone. The sun is now described as "God curst," reflecting the speaker's bitterness. This circular structure suggests the memory remains a source of pain.
Key quote:
"Neutral Tones"
Analysis:
The title "Neutral Tones" is significant as it suggests a lack of vibrant colours, reflecting the emotional detachment and disillusionment associated with lost love.
Key quote:
"Three summers since I chose a maid,
Too young maybe — but more's to do
At harvest-time than bide and woo."
Analysis:
The blunt verb "chose" and the understatement ("more's to do") reveal the farmer's practicality and lack of romantic sentiment.
Key quote:
"When us was wed she turned afraid
Of love and me and all things human;"
Analysis:
The use of "afraid" conveys the intensity of the bride's fear, while "all things human" suggests a deep-rooted trauma.
Key quote:
"Like the shut of a winter's day
Her smile went out, and 'twasn't a woman —
More like a little frightened fay."
Analysis:
The simile compares the bride's transformation to a cold, dark winter day. The metaphor of a "Frightened fay" conveys her vulnerability and difference.
Key quote:
"One night, in the Fall, she runned away."
Analysis:
The use of dialect "runned" portrays the bride's escape as desperate and impulsive.
Key quote:
"'Out 'mong the sheep, her be,' they said,
Should properly have been abed;
But sure enough she wasn't there
Lying awake with her wide brown stare."
Analysis:
The informal language ("be," "wasn't") reflects the villagers' perspective while "wide brown stare" emphasises the bride's haunted expression.
Key quote:
"We chased her, flying like a hare
Before our lanterns. To Church-Town"
Analysis:
The simile "flying like a hare" dehumanises the bride, portraying the chase as violent and unequal.
Key quote:
"The women say that beasts in stall
Look round like children at her call.
I've hardly heard her speak at all."
Analysis:
Juxtaposing the animals' reaction with the bride's silence illustrates her withdrawal from human connection.
Key quote:
"The soft young down of her, the brown,
The brown of her — her eyes, her hair, her hair!"
Analysis:
The repetition of "brown" and the focus on physical details expose the farmer's lustful desires rather than emotional connection. The exclamation indicates a shift in tone, but the poem ends unresolved.
Key quote:
“Alone, poor maid. ’Tis but a stair
Betwixt us. Oh! my God! the down,”
Analysis:
The poet uses enjambment with irregular rhyming lines to show the farmer's growing frustration, reinforced by his exclamatory tone.
Key quote:
"All in a shiver and a scare
We caught her, fetched her home at last
And turned the key upon her, fast."
Analysis:
The use of "fetched" implies the bride is an object, while "turned the key upon her" reveals the act of her imprisonment.
Key quote:
"It is eighteen years ago, almost to the day —
A sunny day with leaves just turning,"
Analysis:
The poem opens with a specific memory, emphasising the vividness and emotional significance of the event. The detail of a "sunny day with leaves just turning" adds a touch of nostalgia. It hints at a time of transition and change, mirroring the son's journey towards independence.
Key quote:
"The touch-lines new-ruled — since I watched you play"
Analysis:
The words "new-ruled touch-lines" creates a sense of a fresh start. It suggests a world of new beginnings and possibilities on the football field which is juxtaposed with the bittersweet ending of a stage in their relationship.
Key quote:
"Your first game of football, then, like a satellite
Wrenched from its orbit, go drifting away"
Analysis:
The simile compares the son to a satellite violently pulled from its course. It highlights the suddenness and disruption of the son's independence. The word "wrenched" conveys the forceful nature of this separation, hinting at a sense of loss for both parent and child.
Key quote:
"Behind a scatter of boys."
Analysis:
The phrase "scatter of boys" portrays the child's integration into a new social group, separate from their parent. It suggests a shift in focus and loyalty, as the child forms new bonds.
Key quote:
"With the pathos of a half-fledged thing set free"
Analysis:
"Pathos" evokes sympathy for the child's vulnerability as they venture into independence, similar to a young bird leaving the nest. The image of a "half-fledged thing" emphasises their incomplete development.
Key quote:
"... the gait of one
Who finds no path where the path should be."
Analysis:
This line suggests the child's uncertainty and lack of direction in this new phase of life. The phrasing "no path where the path should be" creates a sense of confusion and highlights the challenges of navigating independence for the first time.
Key quote:
"That hesitant figure, eddying away
Like a winged seed loosened from its parent stem,"
Analysis:
The simile compares the child to a seed, signalling their dependence on the parent yet inevitably moving towards individual growth. The word "hesitant" reinforces the child's uncertainty, while "winged seed" suggests potential and the ability to take flight on their own.
Key quote:
"... — the small, the scorching
Ordeals which fire one's irresolute clay."
Analysis:
The extended metaphor of pottery is used to describe the child's development; "irresolute clay" portrays the child as unformed but with potential. The imagery of "scorching ordeals" and "fire" implies the difficulties inherent in growth and self-discovery.
Key quote:
"... Perhaps it is roughly
Saying what God alone could perfectly show —
How selfhood begins with a walking away,"
Analysis:
The speaker acknowledges the limitations of human understanding but suggests that the child's separation is essential for their self-discovery. The word "roughly" indicates the speaker's struggle to articulate this complex concept.
Key quote:
"And love is proved in the letting go."
Analysis:
The final line presents a paradox: true love requires the ability to allow someone's independence, even if it's painful. The act of "letting go" becomes a demonstration of love and trust in the child's ability to thrive on their own.
Key quote:
"he saw the first lapwings return and came
indoors to write to me, his knuckles singing
as they reddened in the warmth"
Analysis:
The detail of "his knuckles singing as they reddened in the warmth" adds a sensory detail and alludes to the satisfaction of hard work. The detail in the opening lines creates a feeling of intimacy.
Key quote:
"It's not romance, simply how things are."
Analysis:
The speaker clarifies the practical and honest approach to their long-distance relationship, with the informal, elliptical style reflecting natural speech.
Key quote:
"You out there, in the cold, seeing the seasons
turning, me with my heartful of headlines
feeding words onto a blank screen."
Analysis:
The speaker contrasts their experiences: the father is immersed in nature and witnesses the changing seasons, while the speaker is confined to an urban environment, bombarded by traumatic news.
Key quote:
"Is your life more real because you dig and sow?"
Analysis:
This rhetorical question challenges the notion that a rural life is inherently more meaningful. It suggests a mutual respect for their different experiences.
Key quote:
"You wouldn't say so, breaking ice on a waterbutt,
clearing a path through snow. ..."
Analysis:
The speaker anticipates the father's response, suggesting they share a similar perspective on the challenges and realities of their respective lives.
Key quote:
"... Still, it's you
who sends me word of that other world
pouring air and light into an envelope. ..."
Analysis:
This line conveys the importance of the father's letters. He acts as a bridge, connecting the speaker to the natural world they miss. The act of "pouring air and light into an envelope" conveys the emotional sustenance that the letters provide.
Key quote:
"our souls tap out messages across the icy miles."
Analysis:
The "icy miles" represent the physical separation, while "souls tap out messages" emphasises the enduring connection between them.
Key quote:
"In February, digging his garden, planting potatoes, "
Analysis:
This opening line establishes the father's connection to nature. The specific details of "February," "digging," and "planting potatoes" create a sense of being grounded.
Key quote:
"feeding words onto a blank screen."
Analysis:
This phrase paints a picture of the speaker's potentially monotonous reality. "Feeding" suggests a passiveness and this is juxtaposed with the father's physical interaction with the natural world in the rest of the poem.
Key quote:
"They are waiting for me ..."
Analysis:
The dramatic opening line of the poem uses ambiguity to create distance between the speaker and his parents. "They" avoids their names, creating a sense of formality and emotional detachment.
Key quote:
"My father, twenty-five, in the same suit
Of Genuine Irish Tweed, ..."
Analysis:
The use of details like age and clothing ("Genuine Irish Tweed") create a vivid image of the father, and grounds the memory in a specific time, adding realism and immediacy for the reader.
Key quote:
"The sky whitens as if lit by three suns."
Analysis:
The unnatural description of "three suns" suggests both the intensity of the light and the dreamlike quality of the memory. The use of "whitens" also implies a bleaching or faded quality, as if the memory is also fading.
Key quote:
"... Leisurely,
They beckon to me from the other bank."
Analysis:
The adverb "leisurely" creates a sense of calmness and peacefulness associated with the memory. This peaceful image is juxtaposed with the act of beckoning, which suggests a desire to bridge the gap between them.
Key quote:
"... 'See where the stream-path is!
Crossing is not as hard as you might think.'"
Analysis:
The parents' guidance here seems both literal and symbolic, as the act of crossing a stream can also represent the act of overcoming a challenge or difficulty in life.
Key quote:
"... slowly sets out
The same three plates, ..."
Analysis:
This description, with its seemingly unnecessary detail, reflects the speaker's immersion in the past memory and the emotional weight he associates with these seemingly ordinary objects. The enjambment adds to the intensity of the memory.
Key quote:
"I had not thought that it would be like this."
Analysis:
The final line of the poem is a single, short sentence emphasising the speaker's emotional response with a hint of resignation. It is ambiguous, leaving the reader to interpret "this" as the distance, the memory itself, or the realisation of his grief at his parents' absence and loss.
Key quote:
"twenty-five" and "twenty-three"
Analysis:
Including the specific ages of the speaker's parents adds a layer of sentimentality to the description. Mentioning their young ages emphasises their youthfulness and potentially a time of carefree happiness for the family. This detail could also be a way for the speaker to anchor the memory in a specific point in time.
Key quote:
"The same three plates, the tin cups painted blue."
Analysis:
The familiarity and routine associated with these picnics seems precious for the speaker, conveyed by the phrase "the same three plates" and the precise detail of the memory.
Key quote:
"My father worked with a horse-plough,
His shoulders globed like a full sail strung
Between the shafts and the furrow."
Analysis:
This opening simile creates a powerful image of the speaker's father. Comparing his shoulders to a sail emphasises his strength and mastery over the plough. The use of the verb "strung" suggests tension and control, highlighting the physical exertion required for the task.
Key quote:
"The horse strained at his clicking tongue."
Analysis:
Sensory language ("clicking tongue") depicts the interaction between the father and the horse. The verb "strained" reinforces the image of hard work and the physical demands of ploughing.
Key quote:
"An expert. He would set the wing
And fit the bright steel-pointed sock.
The sod rolled over without breaking."
Analysis:
These lines establish the father's expertise. Details like "setting the wing" and "fitting the sock" suggest a practiced routine and mastery of the craft. The final line, "The sod rolled over without breaking," highlights the precision and skill of the father's work.
Key quote:
"At the headrig, with a single pluck
Of reins, the sweating team turned round
And back into the land."
Analysis:
Descriptive language portrays the father's control over the horses. "Single pluck" emphasises the minimal effort required, showcasing his experience and authority. The image of the "sweating team" reinforces the physical demands of the task.
Key quote:
"I stumbled in his hob-nailed wake,
Fell sometimes on the polished sod;"
Analysis:
Contrast is used to highlight the difference between the father's skill and the speaker's clumsiness. "Stumbled" and "fell" emphasise the speaker's lack of experience and his difficulty following in his father's footsteps.
Key quote:
"Sometimes he rode me on his back
Dipping and rising to his plod."
Analysis:
Sensory language ("dipping and rising") are used to depict the physical experience of being carried by his father, with words like rode and plod conveying the movement of a horse. It creates a contrasting image of the playful interaction between father and son despite the serious nature of the work.
Key quote:
"All I ever did was follow
In his broad shadow round the farm."
Analysis:
The words “broad shadow" emphasises the dominance of the father and the speaker's sense of being overshadowed. The verb "follow" reinforces the speaker's struggle to live up to his father's example.
Key quote:
"Yapping always. But today
It is my father who keeps stumbling
Behind me, ... "
Analysis:
This final stanza uses a dramatic shift to portray the role reversal between father and son. The speaker, once the "nuisance" who "yapped always," is now the one moving forward. The verb "stumbling" used for the father mirrors the speaker's earlier clumsiness, suggesting a reversal of roles and the father's potential dependence on the son.
Key quote:
"and will not go away."
Analysis:
The final line, "and will not go away," is ambiguous. It could suggest the father's lingering presence and influence or it could hint at their inescapable connection.
Key quote:
"... hob-nailed wake,"
Analysis:
This descriptive phrase uses a compound noun ("hob-nailed wake") to create a vivid image of the father's footsteps. The speaker follows in his father, struggling to keep up.
Key quote:
"Mother, any distance greater than a single span
requires a second pair of hands."
Analysis:
This opening line introduce the poem's theme of dependence and connection. "Single span" suggests a small, easily manageable distance, but the line emphasises the need for help even for such a basic task. This foreshadows the emotional dependence the speaker has for his mother.
Key quote:
"You come to help me measure windows, pelmets, doors,
the acres of the walls, the prairies of the floors."
Analysis:
The use of hyperbole, with metaphors of "acres" and "prairies", depicts the vastness of the new home. This exaggeration conveys the overwhelming task the speaker faces alone and highlights the need for maternal assistance.
Key quote:
"You at the zero-end, me with the spool of tape, recording
length, reporting metres, centimetres back to base ..."
Analysis:
Detailed language portrays the act of measuring the house. The specific details ("zero-end," "spool of tape," "metres," "centimetres") could symbolise the measurement of the time and memories that the pair have experienced together.
Key quote:
"...unreeling years between us."
Analysis:
These lines compare the unfurling tape measure to the speaker's growing distance from his mother over the years. It highlights the speaker's sense of separation despite their physical proximity while measuring the house.
Key quote:
"... Anchor. Kite."
Analysis:
Juxtaposition is used. The metaphor of "Anchor" suggests stability and security, while "kite" suggests freedom and independence. These contrasting images highlight the speaker's connection to his mother and his wish to break free.
Key quote:
"I space-walk through the empty bedrooms ..."
Analysis:
The speaker compares their exploration of the house to a “Space-walk”, reminding the reader of their childhood, but also the growing distance between them.
Key quote:
"...climb
the ladder to the loft, to breaking point, where something
has to give;"
Analysis:
Physical imagery ("climb," "ladder," "breaking point") depicts the speaker's journey. Climbing the ladder symbolically alludes to the speaker's growing independence and his further separation from his mother.
Key quote:
"two floors below your fingertips still pinch
the last one-hundredth of an inch ..."
Analysis:
Contrasting imagery highlight the physical distance and emotional connection between speaker and mother. The "two floors below," emphasises their physical separation. However, her act of holding on possibly reflects a parental instinct to cling to their child.
Key quote:
"... a hatch that opens on an endless sky"
Analysis:
"Endless sky" suggests limitless possibilities but also potential danger. It perhaps reflects the speaker's uncertainty about his future. The hatch may symbolise the freedom which comes from being independent.
Key quote:
"to fall or fly."
Analysis:
The use of opposites depicts the speaker's potential options as he contemplates the future. It suggests an unpredictability about the speaker's future.
Key quote:
"I'm ten years away from the corner you laugh on"
Analysis:
The speaker reminisces about her mother's carefree youth before parenthood. This sets the tone for the poem's exploration of the impact of motherhood on personal identity and relationships.
Key quote:
"The three of you bend from the waist, holding
each other, or your knees, and shriek at the pavement."
Analysis:
Through the use of youthful descriptions of bending, "holding" and "shrieking", the speaker portrays freedom, contrasting with the speaker's later reflections on the responsibilities of motherhood.
Key quote:
"I'm not here yet. The thought of me doesn't occur
in the ballroom with the thousand eyes, the fizzy, movie tomorrows"
Analysis:
The speaker's absence is emphasised through the repetition of "I'm not here yet", and contrasts with the vivid description of the ballroom, a world of excitement, possibility and freedom.
Key quote:
"Cha cha cha! You'd teach me the steps on the way home from Mass,"
Analysis:
Alliteration ("stamping stars from the wrong pavement") and onomatopoeia ("cha cha cha") depict the playful and spontaneous nature of their early relationship.
Key quote:
"The decade ahead of my loud, possessive yell was the best one, eh?
I remember my hands in those high-heeled red shoes, relics,"
Analysis:
The speaker's nostalgic remembrances add a poignant contrast between the mother's past freedom and the speaker's own demanding presence.
Key quote:
"and now your ghost clatters toward me over George Square
till I see you, clear as scent, under the tree,
with its lights, and whose small bites on your neck, sweetheart?"
Analysis:
Referring to her mother as a metaphorical ghost, the speaker conveys a sense of absence and longing. It suggests a continued connection between the speaker and her mother despite the passage of time.
Key quote:
"... your Ma stands at the close
with a hiding for the late one. You reckon it's worth it."
Analysis:
The colloquial language and matter-of-fact tone convey the speaker's admiration for her mother's rebellious spirit. The use of dialect and slang adds authenticity.
Key quote:
"Your polka-dot dress blows round your legs. Marilyn."
Analysis:
By likening the mother to Marilyn Monroe, the speaker celebrates her glamour and vitality before motherhood. The use of a famous icon adds a layer of nostalgia and poignancy, suggesting both admiration and a sense of loss for the mother's identity before she became a mother.
Key quote:
"Before you were mine,"
Analysis:
Duffy's repetition of the refrain "before you were mine" highlights the separation she feels from this earlier version of her mother, but also reinforces the profound nature of the love between mother and child.
Key quote:
"... the fizzy, movie tomorrows
The right walk home could bring."
Analysis:
Hypothetical language ("could bring") and assonance highlights her mother's sense of adventure and the potential for new experiences.
Key quote:
"The clouds had given their all —
two days of rain and then a break"
Analysis:
The poem opens with an example of pathetic fallacy, as the weather reflects the emotional exhaustion of the couple's argument. The phrase "clouds had given their all" implies that the conflict has reached its peak. The "break" in the rain offers an element of hope and the potential for reconciliation.
Key quote:
"the waterlogged earth
gulping for breath at our feet"
Analysis:
Sheers employs personification to depict the earth's struggle, mirroring the suffocating tension in the relationship. The earth "gulping for breath" suggests exhaustion after the downpour, mirroring the emotional state of the couple who are struggling to communicate.
Key quote:
"until the swans came and stopped us
with a show of tipping in unison."
Analysis:
Sheers interrupts the scene with the graceful entrance of the swans which symbolises a moment of peace. The image of the swans "tipping in unison" evokes a sense of harmony and synchronicity, which is contrasted with the couple's disconnection.
Key quote:
"slow-stepping in the lake's shingle and sand,"
Analysis:
The sibilant "Slow-stepping" suggests hesitancy and deliberation, mirroring their cautious approach to reconnection. The "shingle and sand" represent rough and unstable ground, further emphasising the challenges they face in navigating their relationship.
Key quote:
"'They mate for life' you said as they left,"
Analysis:
This statement introduces a key concept about swans: lifelong commitment. This directly contrasts with the unspoken tension in the couple's relationship. The juxtaposition highlights the couple's struggle to reach a similar level of commitment, prompting a potential turning point in their communication.
Key quote:
"... silent and apart,"
Analysis:
The juxtaposition of the two words "silent" and "apart" highlight the emotional distance between the couple. Their physical separation reflects their lack of communication.
Key quote:
"porcelain over the stilling water."
Analysis:
Despite the fragile metaphor of "porcelain", the description of the "Stilling water" suggests a potential reconciliation, as the gliding swans offer a vision of a harmonious future.
Key quote:
"I didn't reply"
Analysis:
This short phrase is emotionally charged. The lack of response suggests a deep reflection in the speaker. The silence could indicate resistance or a newfound hope for reconciliation.
Key quote:
"like a pair of wings settling after flight."
Analysis:
The couple's hands finding each other are compared to "wings settling after flight". The image suggests a tentative peace and a potential for a stronger bond.
Key quote:
"we skirted the lake,"
Analysis:
This verb "skirted" suggests a cautious or hesitant approach, mirroring the emotional distance between the couple. They are following the edge of the water, unwilling to fully immerse themselves in their emotions or reconnect.
Key quote:
"I run just one ov my daddy’s shops
from 9 o’clock to 9 o’clock
and he vunt me not to hav a break"
Analysis:
Words like "ov" and "hav" establish the speaker's voice and the use of Punjabi dialect ("di") further emphasises his cultural identity. The informality of style also creates a sense of immediacy and authenticity.
Key quote:
"but ven nobody in, I do di lock —
cos up di stairs is my newly bride
vee share in chapatti
vee share in di chutney"
Analysis:
The focus abruptly shifts from the monotonous work routine ("9 o'clock to 9 o'clock") to the speaker's passionate encounters with his "newly bride". This creates humour and highlights the contrasting aspects of the speaker's life: the demands of work imposed by his father versus his personal desires and newfound marital bliss.
Key quote:
"after vee hav made luv
like vee rowing through Putney —"
Analysis:
The simile comparing sex to "rowing through Putney" subverts expectations of romantic language. This creates humour and creates a playful tone. The unexpected comparison emphasises the narrator's youthful exuberance.
Key quote:
"Ven I return vid my pinnie untied"
Analysis:
"Pinnie" refers to an apron and returning with it "untied" suggests a hurried and potentially neglected shop. It conveys the speaker's prioritisation of his wife and personal life over his work, potentially creating tension between fulfilling his familial obligations and his own desires.
Key quote:
"dis dirty little floor need a little bit of mop
in di worst Indian shop
on di whole Indian road —"
Analysis:
The speaker assumed the voice of his customers, highlighting the speaker's neglect of the shop: "dirty little floor". This foregrounds the casual prejudice and racism the speaker encounters on a daily basis.
Key quote:
"Late in di midnight hour
ven yoo shoppers are wrap up quiet
ven di precinct is concrete-cool
vee cum down whispering stairs
and sit on my silver stool,"
Analysis:
An image of the quiet night-time is contrasted with the earlier chaos of the shop filled with customers. The personification of "whispering stairs" emphasises the secrecy and intimacy of the couple's late-night adventures.
Key quote:
"from behind di chocolate bars
vee stare past di half-price window signs
at di beaches ov di UK in di brightey moon —"
Analysis:
The "chocolate bars" become a barrier, separating the couple from their dreams, symbolised by the "beaches of the UK" glimpsed through the window. This juxtaposition emphasises their longing for a different life, potentially beyond the confines of the shop and their current circumstances. The "brightey moon" adds a touch of romanticism and hope to their shared vision.
Key quote:
"is priceless baby —"
Analysis:
The phrase "is priceless baby" emphasises the immense value the narrator places on his love for his wife. "Priceless" stands in stark contrast to the commercial world of the shop, filled with price tags and customer complaints.
Key quote:
"I decide to do it free, without a rope or net."
Analysis:
The poem begins by implying the risk the child feels they are undertaking climbing so high. The poet's use of the first-person and decisive language ("I decide") emphasises the speaker's determination.
Key quote:
"First, the old brogues, dusty and cracked;"
Analysis:
Waterhouse employs sensory imagery to describe the grandfather's worn shoes, using adjectives like "dusty and cracked" to evoke a sense of age and wear. This imagery portrays the grandfather as humble and relatable, reinforcing the theme of familial bonds.
Key quote:
"At his still firm shoulder, I rest for a while
in the shade, not looking down,"
Analysis:
The poet uses contrasting imagery ("still firm shoulder," "shade") to create a sense of safety and stability amidst the challenging climb. By emphasising the speaker's reluctance to look down, Waterhouse conveys the height and magnitude of the climb to the child. It also highlights the grandfather's role as a source of comfort and protection for the speaker.
Key quote:
"myself up the loose skin of his neck
to a smiling mouth to drink among teeth."
Analysis:
Waterhouse employs metaphorical language to describe the speaker's ascent to the grandfather's face, using the image of "drinking among teeth" to evoke a sense of intimacy and warmth. This imagery underscores the close bond between the speaker and their grandfather, portraying the grandfather's smile as a source of joy for the speaker.
Key quote:
"Refreshed, I cross the screed cheek,
to stare into his brown eyes, watch a pupil
slowly open and close."
Analysis:
The poet immerses the reader in a moment of connection and reflection between the speaker and their grandfather as the child begins to "stare into his brown eyes". It suggests a bond between the two.
Key quote:
"and easy, to his thick hair (soft and white
at this altitude), reaching for the summit,"
Analysis:
Waterhouse describes the climb to the summit of the grandfather's head, using the image of "thick hair" to convey a sense of warmth. The phrase "reaching for the summit" underscores the speaker's sense of achievement and reverence.
Key quote:
"feeling his heat, knowing
the slow pulse of his good heart."
Analysis:
The poet uses tactile imagery ("feeling his heat") to convey the physical closeness between the child and their grandfather. The description of the grandfather's "slow pulse" reinforces his steady and reliable presence, symbolising the enduring love and support that he provides for the speaker.
Key quote:
“By the overhanging shirt I change
direction, traverse along his belt”
Analysis:
Waterhouse shows how a child sees the grandfather as much like a giant. The extended metaphor constructs the child’s view of their grandfather as, at times, a somewhat mythical character to present the awe the speaker feels toward him
Key quote:
"On his arm I discover
the glassy ridge of a scar, place my feet
gently in the old stitches and move on."
Analysis:
The verb "place" emphasises the speaker's respect and care as they navigate the grandfather's body: "place my feet gently in the old stitches". This could represent the speaker's growing empathy for the grandfather, acknowledging the hardships he might have faced in life.
Key quote:
"the skin of his finger is smooth and thick
like warm ice."
Analysis:
The speaker refers to a physical feature "the skin of his finger"" which suggests a moment of close contact between the child and the grandfather. Waterhouse uses an oxymoron ("warm ice") to depict the speaker's connection with their grandfather. This comparison conveys the grandfather's qualities of strength and warmth, suggesting both his resilience and his comforting presence to the child.