This document contains detailed analysis, context and in-depth literary conventions for the Poetry section of the Edexcel A-Level English Literature course. Further support is given to students with the inclusion of quotation banks providing students with the foundations to be successful in essay q...
The ominous title would likely make a reader feel somewhat apprehensive for what
may be described in the poem. A “gun” has strong negative connotations associated
with it, including violence and death
Assertion of superiority and power
Object of chaos and disruption
Structure:
The layout of the stanzas in this poem is notable, varying between a typical six to
seven line length, all the way to single lines that are extremely attention-grabbing
the reference to change in the opening two lines could be seen as supported by the
ever-changing line length and stanza length throughout the poem, with this variance
showing the action and changes that occur as a result of the use of guns.
The use of colons, acts as a strong caesura and ‘jars’ the poem’s flow and rhythm,
which could be interpreted as showing the unnatural impact that guns and killing has
on the world.
Lack of rhyme schemes, uses of caesuras and enjambment creates uncertainty
within the poem.
Enjambment used in first two lines, with the split of the line between ‘house’ and
‘changes’ opens the poem with an unnatural break. Visually and audibly
demonstrates change and reinforces the idea of the unnatural by breaking the line in
a strange way
‘Grainy polished wood stock’ hard constant plosive sound highlighting the danger
and power
Semantic field of death and gun works simultaneously with specific sounds to
reinforce destructive imagery and highlight power of guns. Words like ‘reek’,
‘entrails’, ‘dangling’ and ‘dead’ all contribute to the idea of death which permeates
the poem
Volta in the poem. Change in attitudes towards the gun in it ‘brings a house alive’
suggesting the relationship that has been bought back together as a result of the use
of this weaponry.
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