stafford afternoons

Question 1

summary

Answer 1

• In the beginning, the child starts exploring and describing her surroundings.
• all throughout, there is a simultaneous sense of thrill and danger.
• many instances are accounted which are symbolic in nature and the process of the child’s encounter with the darker world of adulthood.
• gradually, the speaker comes across “a small wood”, which she ventures into with a sense of adventure.
• despite being scared and lonely, she comes across a sexual “predator,” a man who scares her with his “living, purple root.”
• she runs back in search of safety and familiarity, however, something has shifted.

Question 2

what is the poetic voice?

Answer 2

• a young child transitioning into adulthood, experiencing the loss of innocence and the harsh realities of the adult world.
• the child experiences an inappropriate sexual encounter which changes her outlook on life.

Question 3

how is the poetic voice created?

Answer 3

• childhood perspective ->innocence reinforced by childhood activities like tying laces and waving at motor cars.
• vivid sensory details ->creates a sense of unease and physical danger.
• unexpected encounter ->highlights the transition from a sheltered world to a more complex and potentially dangerous reality.
• narrative shift ->journey starts with a carefree perspective and ending with a traumatic experience, marking the loss of innocence.

Question 4

themes

Answer 4

• childhood
• memories
• loss of innocence
• attitudes to the past