The Way My Mother Speaks

Question 1

“in my head” (stanza 1)

Answer 1

shows the speaker is reflecting on memories/ is stick in their head/ feels lonely/isolated

Question 2

“too blue swapped for a cool grey.” ( stanza 2)

Answer 2

“blue” “grey”
childhood, stability sadness, uncertainty
symbolises the transition between childhood and adulthood and how the speaker feels about the change

Question 3

“browsing for the right sky” (stanza 2)

Answer 3

suggests the speaker is unsure of what they want or isnt sure

Question 4

“I am happy and sad
like a child” (stanza 3)

Answer 4

suggests the speaker is struggling with their contradictory feelings about moving away, like children struggle with contradictart feelings

Question 5

“dipped a net” (stanza 3)

Answer 5

connotations of uncertainty, lack of conviction and commitment. Also suggests taking a dip as in thing going downhill. This suggests the speaker is not totally ready to experience adulthood

Question 6

“homesick, free, in love” (stanza 3)

Answer 6

‘homesick, free, in love’ Contradiction of homesick and free - homesick shows that she wants to return to a safe, but free suggests the benefits of growing up and embracing the opportunities of adulthood. In love - maybe resolve the contradiction, as love connects her to home but also the possibilities of her future