Cozy Apologia

Question 1

Context on poem

Answer 1

• Rita Dove was born in the United States in Ohio
• In 1979 she married a German writer to whom she dedicates the poem to
• In 1999 East Coast of America were hit by the hurricane, the deadliest in US history
• 2.9 million people were evacuated in preperation for Hurrican Floyd

Question 2

Form

Answer 2

Three 10-line stanzas, written in free verse, making it seem conversational

The first stanza features regular rhyming couplets, leading the reader to expect a traditional love poem

The rhyme scheme is disrupted in the middle of the second stanza, mirroring disruption from the storm

Question 3

Structure

Answer 3

Enjambment represents the chaos of the storm

Juxtaposition between the dreaminess of the first stanza and the reality of the second stanza

The poem becomes awkward as uncomfortable memories emerge

Question 4

Summary of the poem

Answer 4

Dove depicts the strength of her emotion, proving that even ordinary love is worthy of poetic tribute.

Stanza 1 – The poet expresses deep love for her husband
Stanza 2 – The phrase “big bad Floyd” transports her back to teenage years
Stanza 3 – The couple is safe at home, and their love is beautifully ordinary

Question 5

Language

Answer 5

Sibilance in words like “crushes” and “kiss” creates a whispering effect, reminiscent of teenage confessions

Juxtaposition of informal and homely elements (cozy) with a formal defense (apologia)

Depicts a warm, intimate bond

Question 6

Mood

Answer 6

The speaker feels safe and protected rather than afraid as the hurricane approaches

She uses cliché and ordinary imagery to describe her love, showing comfort in routine

Embarrassed by their love but expresses happiness

The title indicates a defense of her content relationship

References to past relationships contrast with her current, happy relationship

Question 7

Key Quotes

Answer 7

Sure as shooting arrows to the heart

A hurricane is nudging up the coast

We’re content, but fall short of the divine

Question 8

Sure as shooting arrows to the heart

Answer 8

• Similie - love is painful and passionate
• Depicts a warm intimate bond
• Traditional cliche of romantic hero - reffering to cupids arrows

Question 9

A hurricane is nudging up the coast

Answer 9

• The verb “nudging” suggests gentle pushing
• Adds irony to highlight the power of love as mightier than the storm
• Comfort in the relationship despite disruption
• Hurrican reflects external chaos but there is comfort internally

Question 10

We’re content, but fall short of the divine

Answer 10

• Caesura highlights the contrast between her current contentment and the ideal of divine happiness
• The poem’s message: Valuing ordinary moments of happiness
• Realistic love
• maturity and acceptance