The Gun Flashcards
(10 cards)
Why does Feaver use the definite article from the title of The Gun?
The use of the definite article (‘The’) presents the power and significance of the gun.
Why is an end stop used to conclude the first stanza of The Gun “bringing a gun into a house // changes it.”
The end stop suggests a definite change of some sort
The nature of the change at this point in the poem is unclear.
What technique is used here: “the long metal barrel // casting a grey shadow // on the green-checked cloth”
What is the effect of this colour imagery
Colour imagery
The green-checked cloth represents a domestic setting, whereas the grey shadow conveys the looming spectre of death
Why is enjambment used here:
“The grainy polished wood stick // jutting over the edge”
The way the gun is described across the two lines could symbolise could symbolise an initial boundary being crossed; this is reiterated by the phrase, ‘jutting over the edge’
What technique is used here: “perforating tins //dangling on orange string // from trees in the garden. // then a rabbit shot // clean through the head”
Juxtaposition
The poet contrasts a child-like innocent image of play shooting a clinical act of violence
Why does the speaker describe “your eyes gleam // like when sex was fresh”
The simile conveys how the speaker gains a form of erotic, sexual thrill from the power of the gun
What is the significance of this part “I join in the cooking: jointing // and clicking, stirring and tasting”
Listing of present tense verbs suggest a sense of enjoyment and sensual pleasure, reiterated by the sibilant sounds
How is the gun presented through the poets use of the metaphor “the King of Death”
The gun is presented as a powerful, admirable, and deeply respected force
How is there a shift in perspective in the final stanza of The Gun?
Shifts to the first person - ‘I’ the narrator finally becomes involved in the action as the gun seduces them
What might the final image “stalking/out of winter woods // his black mouth // spouting golden crocuses” be intended to represent?
The gun is personified as a hunter ‘stalking’ but also compared to a flower. The image is one that romantics the gun whilst also making clear its deadly impact
Crocuses = poisonous
