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Question 1

summary

Answer 1

• In the first lines of this poem, the speaker begins by describing moments of intimacy and attempted understanding between two people.
• their relationship is the central subject of the poem, and the poet goes back and forth, offering some positive and some negative images associated with their experiences together.
• there is a sense of possession and struggle for a firm identity in these lines, indicating that one person has some control over the other.
• the poem ends with allusions to the past and to the complex emotions within this relationship.

Question 2

what is the poetic voice?

Answer 2

• first person narration about a tough and sad life.
• characterised by a mix of intimacy, reflection, and a sense of power struggles within a relationship.
• addressing partner
• possibly an abusive relationship

Question 3

how is the poetic voice created?

Answer 3

• direct, conversational tone to engage the reader and creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, as if the speaker is confiding in the reader.
• first-person plural and singular perspectives ->’we’ and ‘I’ -shift between collective perspective o0f the relationship and individual introspection, highlighting the duality of intimacy and distance.
• imagery ->creates a sense of past and present merging, further exploring the speaker’s emotional landscape.
• repetition and use of imperatives ->emphasise the speakers attempts to connect with and understand the other person.

Question 4

themes

Answer 4

• damaged relationships
• identity
• memories
• reflection

Question 5

childhood

Answer 5

shapes their current state