The Class Game

Question 1

How can you tell what class I’m from?

Answer 1

• Repetition
• Rhetorical Question - challenging stereotypes and expectations
• ‘Tell’ connotations of certainty and definity
  -Immediately introduces the theme as the main topic
• Creates a cyclical structure with the final line

Question 2

Have a label on me head, and another on me bum?

Answer 2

• Accusing the addressee of stereotyping through the imagery
• Rhetorical Question - questioning society’s judgmental attitude
• Questions whether what we base assumptions off of is right

Question 3

Or is it because my hands are stained with toil? / Instead of soft lily-white with perfume and oil?

Answer 3

• Juxtaposition
• Symbolism of upper and middle class
• Low, socioeconomic status and the attached stigma

Question 4

Me say Tara to me Ma instead of Bye Mummy Dear

Answer 4

• Difference in colloquialisms means she feels distant from the rest of society
• English, standard pronunciation

Question 5

Well mate!

Answer 5

• Sarcastic tone
• Slightly patronising
• Highlights anger about the restrictions that class has put on her life
• Exclamative emphasises, defiant tone

Question 6

And I’m proud of the class I’m from?

Answer 6

• Finishes on a defiant note
• Pride
• Doesn’t care about others stereotypes
• Create cyclical structure with the first line to show the poets journey

Question 7

Other features

Answer 7

• One long, stanza sets the poem out to be a rant
• Enjambment mimics human speech, making it sound more informal and conversational
• lots of contrasting language