Close Flashcards
(6 cards)
Summary
Close” tells the story of the break-up of a relationship. The title in ambiguous — “close” is an adjective that means “nearby” and a verb that means “to shut”. Both are relevant in this story of a painful break-up of a relationship — the lovers had once been close but now their time as a couple is closed. Duffy explores a range of themes including control, insecurity, memory, past and present, childhood, secrecy, light and dark. The poem is dense with layered meanings that warrant detailed analysis
Lock the door.
The abrupt opening, a three word, monosyllabic sentence, sets the tone of the poem. It is a brusque command and introduces the theme of secrecy and control. Other sentences like this appear throughout the poem.
Love won’t give in.
Note that love is personified. It is the speaker who won’t give in, but feelings can be so powerful they have a life of their own.
Another short, monosyllabic sentence asserts a truism, that even incompatible partners planning to separate may remain painfully in love. In Duffy’s understated style she posits what is, perhaps, the nub of the poem.
Put out the light.
Another short, sharp, imperative sentence. The light can be literal, a command to turn a light off. But it may also refer to the light of hope, the potential of the relationship that failed. This continues the theme of dark and light, especially when linked to the next line of this stanza where the open window is “black”.
The name of a country written in red on my palm,
The reference to the palm of her hand is ironic. Holding hands usually signifies love and protection, but here it is the opposite. An upturned palm can suggest begging or pleading, but the implication here is to diminish the speaker. It could also suggest superstition, her lover reading her palm to predict the future, or in this context create her future.
Structure of close
The poem comprises five stanzas of five lines each. There is no rhyme scheme and no regular metrical rhythm. Sentence length varies, so that the free-verse narrative flows easily, with enjambed line endings and contrastingly abrupt short sentences. These reflect the varied emotions of the speaker.
