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...
Structure:
irregular line length and stanza structure. In some ways the structure initially appears
uniform, but strange and unique forms are made in the poem as it goes on. The
reader may interpret this as showing the irregularity of life, and how parts of life can
change quite suddenly and unexpectedly.
There are also frequent caesura in the poem, particularly with semi colons in the
second stanza. This links well with the irregular structure to show pauses and
interruptions in life, perhaps indicating how people’s actions and thoughts may not
be as ‘free’ as initially anticipated.
The single final line of the poem is very striking this would ensure that it remains one
of the key thoughts for the reader.
Lack of Rhyme Scheme. Highlights the uncertainty that the persona faces in life
which is echoed by the irregular line lengths. Strange and unmelodic poem for a
reflection on thought and process. Unpleasant and rigid structure
Bracketed ‘Bed Solves a lot’ and ‘mysteriously reassuring’ represents that the
persona finds comfort in beds and pets.
Semantic field of the hospital reaffirms the idea of physical and mental disorders that
need to be looked after.
Contrast in semantic fields. Medical terms through ‘formula’, ‘consultant’, ‘illness’ and
‘dosages’ to continue the idea that the narrator is suffering from a form of illness. A
semantic field of the stage and drama, ‘roles and ‘stage’ which are directly
associated to medical descriptions and alludes to the ‘minor role’.
Language Techniques / Devices:
There are a range of examples of imperatives being used this creates a sense of
certainty and precision which is juxtaposed with the irregular and varied structure.
In the second to last stanza, Fanthorpe takes the unusual step of adding an asterisk
and then a reference to ‘Oedipus Rex’ which is a tragedy written by Sophocles.
Oedipus begs for his death after learning that as a result of him being separated
from his parents at birth, he had unknowingly killed his father and married his
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