Lady Luncheon Club Flashcards
Society
Angelou conveys her…
experiences and observations of the social hierarchy present in the 20th century.
In the poem, Angelou portrays the social event as…
(THIS COUNTS AS 2 BIG IDEAS)
a gathering of wealthy people evoking their false altruism, expressing their patriarchal views through a patronising appearance.
The speaker is…
Critiquing social norms and manners through a satirical, mocking tone
5 Key themes explored
- privilege
- ignorance
- wealth and poverty
- superficial
- stereotypes / gender roles
Contextually, as Angelou became…
More successful in her career, she was able to move up the social hierarchy.
The satirical mocking may represent her dislike and discontent with the differences in living standards between the class distinctions
“Our woman checked her golden watch”
Angelou illustrates the dismissive attitudes the woman has and her disinterest in the man´s lecture.
“Checked”
(+ D.I)
The verb conveys the woman´s impatience, and desire for time to pass. Represents the woman´s distance from the world of the lecturer and real life events.
D.I. : Emphasises the woman´s privilege and her self-centred approach to life / pre-occupied with her own life.
Universal message of “Our woman checked her golden watch”
Indicates the bubble created by the wealthy as they are more fascinated in materialistic things, rather than the cruel and harsh realities of the less privileged and the forgotten members of the lower class.
The adjective, “Golden”, re-enforces…
the women´s status in the hierarchy and her luxurious life-style.
D.I. of “golden”
The woman is more worried upon the appearance of the watch, rather than the actual function.
This further conveys that the upper class do not need to worry about having possessions; Their primary concerns are staying up to date with the latest fashion trends.
“Golden” links to the lexical field of wealth in the lexical choices, “Petty cash account”, “Plane” and “Served”…
which portrays the importance they give upon wealth and value as it would determine their ability to show off (?)
Whilst the upper class women are at home with their “dessert served”, the lower class are searching…
For any job that will give them income. This is seen in the imagery of the line, “The jobless streets”
“The jobless streets” links to the metaphor, “Mornings promise no bright relief”
The metaphor connotes the endless struggle the black community goes through in order to find a job.
And their frustration is communicated in the end stop portraying their agitation and frustration.
“…no bright relief”
(D.I)
Symbolises their lack of new beginnings.
DEEPER IMPLICATION
Echoes the sympathy and pathos for the unjust way of life of the lower class
“The times are grave”
Angelou gives voice to women
