Comprehensive notes covering Touch by Hugh Lewin.
A combination of information from the textbook, The Complete Poetry Resource (Sixth Edition), as well as additional class and video notes.
Written by an 85% < English HL Student
Is a human need.
Touch Can come from a stranger, from family and friends or a lover.
Can be physical touch or emotional touch.
(Starts with subordinate clause
= creates anticipation)
When I get out Of jail as that’s where he is at the moment.
I’m going to ask someone Not a specific someone.
. to touch me Wants to be seen and treated as a human being or wants
. very gently please literal and physical touch.
. and slowly, With kindness as he has been physically and emotionally
. touch me scarred.
. I want Wants to be valued and respected and touched with love,
. to learn again care and respect
. how life feels. The prison system is brutal especially as a white prisoner
during apartheid (viewed as a traitor).
Have to cut yourself off or put up a guard to endure it or for
self-preservation.
I’ve not been touched 3 different forms of “touch” in one stanza, all with different
for seven years connotations
Repetition to highlight the longevity and repetitive nature of prison
. for seven years
. I’ve been untouched Refers to emotional touch as nothing in the environment is
. out of touch worthy and he has hardened himself.
. and I’ve learnt Does not know what is going on and communication from
. to know prison is limited.
. the meaning of 1. Meaning that no one can get or harm you
. untouchable. 2. During apartheid certain people were not allowed to touch
Untouched-not quite
I can count the things Explanation
that have touched me
Systematic layout
One: fists Brutality (SA police force was also known for being extremely
at the beginning violent)
. fierce mad fists Guards and other prisoners and “f” alliteration
. beating beating Repetition and “b” alliteration
. till I remember Physical harm can cause emotional pain as well.
. screaming Contradiction and irony as he keeps asking to be touched
. don’t touch me but now he is screaming to not be touched.
. please don’t touch me. Not the type of touch he wants.
Please = indicates manners
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through EFT, credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying this summary from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller KirstenBarbour. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy this summary for R50,00. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
