litany

Question 1

summary

Answer 1

• takes the reader through a variety of images associated with a speakers youth.
• some of these are very obviously referential to a time and place and others are more vague and personal.
• the speaker depicts her mother’s influence on her, as well as that of the other women around her at the time.
• by the end of the poem, the speaker is able to talk back and use the language her mother never would.
• she pushes against the world she’s grown up in and has her mouth washed out with soap.

Question 2

what is the poetic voice?

Answer 2

• an adult looking back at their childhood, offering an ironic and humorous perspective on the superficiality and manufactured nature of adult life.
• the persona is a child who has become disillusioned by the adult world and observes the “code” they learn at their mother’s knee.

Question 3

how is the poetic voice created?

Answer 3

• first-person narrator ->allows the reader to experience the events and relationship through her eyes, which is crucial for understanding the child’s awareness.
• dry and humorous tone ->adds a layer of irony and detachment from the poems themes, which allows the reader to see the absurdity of the adults conversation while also showing the Childs innocence and growing awareness.
• enjambment ->emphasises the shame and embarrassment felt by the reader.

Question 4

themes

Answer 4

• childhood
• growing up
• identity
• memories
• reflection