The Way My Mother Speaks

Question 1

The day and ever. The day and

Answer 1

(S.S) Italicised to represent someone else (the mother) speaking.
The repetition is used to reflect the movement of the train, emphasises loss and how long the negative feelings will last. She does not want to forge

Question 2

Nothing is silent. Nothing is not silent.

Answer 2

(WC) Repetition of “nothing” connotes a lack of something and suggests the speaker feels that moving/ growing up means losing part of yourself. The double negative in the second implies that, what doesn’t exist in the here and now (your memories, your past) still has a voice in your head. It still has influence.

Question 3

the way my mother speaks

Answer 3

(SS) Repetition – full circle. The reference to the title suggests the speaker is free to create own future but will remain. Poem ends on a positive tone.

Question 4

green, erotic pond.

Answer 4

(I) Metaphor -
Just as erotic suggests sexual feelings so too is the speaker experience their emerging sexuality as they grow up.

Question 5

homesick, free,

Answer 5

(SS) List – contradiction (contrast) of positive and negative. Link to past and stay in love with roots and memories which will remain with the speaker. Note the enjambment – focus on ‘in love’ highlights positive tone.