Mrs Midas Flashcards

(33 cards)

1
Q

It was late September

A

Short declarative sentence to set scene

Factual, matter of fact

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2
Q

Unwind

Relaxed

Gently

A

Word choice

Sense of calm, warm domesticity

Suggests soft, comforting atmosphere

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3
Q

Steamy breath

A

The kitchen is personified

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4
Q

Snapping

A

Harsher sound contrasting earlier atmosphere

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5
Q

The dark of the ground seems to drink the light of the sky

A

Sense of foreboding through use of dark and drink which remove the light

“Drink” personification

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6
Q

-We grew fondante d’Automne-

A

Duffy eludes to the colour gold

Parenthesis- extra detail suggests humerus undertone in that she is almost showing off a bit. Proud

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7
Q

Like a lightbulb. On.

A

Simile suggests shape of a pear and light from it (gold)

Short sentence, single word

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8
Q

Is he putting fairy lights in the tree?

A

Rhetorical question, incredulous and slightly comical

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9
Q

The doorknobs gleamed

A

Whimsical, pretty

Doesn’t fully realise what’s happening, quizzical

Detailing the changes as she sees them

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10
Q

He drew the blinds

A

Back to the factual narrative account

Passive shock, not reacted yet

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11
Q

Field of the cloth of gold

A

Historical event between the kings of England and France

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12
Q

Miss macready

A

Could link to the poet personas history teacher

Could also be a reference to iconic 60s TV star with golden hair

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13
Q

Like a king

A

Links to the field of the cloth of gold

Reference to king Midas

Sense of superiority and greed

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14
Q

Strange, wild, vain

A

List emphasises how his character has frighteningly changed

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15
Q

What in the name of god is going on

A

Colloquial term - adds to realism and contemporary nature of poem

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16
Q

He started to laugh

A

In this moment he is oblivious to any negative consequences

17
Q

He was standing… he came into the house… he drew the blinds… he sat in that chair…he started to laugh

A

In the first part of the poem the emphasis is on him

18
Q

I served up the meal

A

Factual, domestic

Still shocked

19
Q

The teeth of the rich

A

Links to greed

The corn kernels resemble teeth

20
Q

Shaking hand

A

Physical reaction

Starting to realise

21
Q

Fragrant

A

Links to former comfortable lifestyle showing they didn’t need more - greed

22
Q

Bone-dry

A

Suggests death of the relationship

23
Q

Glass, goblet, golden chalice, drank

A

List is progressive from the ordinary to the extraordinary

Guttural alliteration suggests drinking sounds

24
Q

I started to scream. He sank to his knees

A

Full realisation hits them both

Turning point

25
I finished the wine...I made him sit... I locked the cat... I moved the phone... I didn't mind... I couldn't believe my ears
Repetition of personal pronoun showing her taking control of the situation - empowerment Contrasts the repetition of "he" from before
26
Keep his hands to himself
No physical contact, he can never touch her again Shows beginning of loneliness and solitude
27
The toilet I didn't mind
Humour Gold toilet is decadent but funny
28
Look, we all have wishes; granted
Accepts and acknowledges that it is normal to wish for things
29
- but who has wishes granted
Word play emphasises abnormality of the wish literally being granted
30
Him.
Single word Sarcastic, annoyed
31
Do you know about gold?
Rhetorical question Implore reader to understand he significance and enormity
32
It feeds no one
Subverts or challenges the traditional connotations- we don't usually associate gold with food
33
Aurum
Word choice Colour reference to gold