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Material - Ros Barber

This document analyzes the structure, language, imagery, and tone of the poem "Material" by Ros Barber. It notes the poem's fragmented rhythm and consistent 9 stanza structure. Language techniques like proper nouns, definite articles, colloquialism, and personification contribute to a nostalgic tone. The extended metaphor of a hanky represents the narrator's attachment and respect for her mother. Throughout, the narrator reflects sadly on memories and societal changes from her youth.

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Sohail Ali
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448 views1 page

Material - Ros Barber

This document analyzes the structure, language, imagery, and tone of the poem "Material" by Ros Barber. It notes the poem's fragmented rhythm and consistent 9 stanza structure. Language techniques like proper nouns, definite articles, colloquialism, and personification contribute to a nostalgic tone. The extended metaphor of a hanky represents the narrator's attachment and respect for her mother. Throughout, the narrator reflects sadly on memories and societal changes from her youth.

Uploaded by

Sohail Ali
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Material – Ros Barber

Structure;

 Thoughtful stream of consciousness, represented by frequent use of caesuras/fragmented rhythm


 Consistent structure, 9 stanzas (8 octaves, 6th stanza has 9 lines)
 Use of half-rhyme shows change, a faint remainder of traditional poetry (in which rhyming was
common), OR the diminishing formality of modern poetry
 Loose rhymes at end of every stanza could suggest closure of specific memory

Language Techniques;

 Proper nouns (specific names/places) gives sense of affection from narrator/places importance on said
people/places
 Definite articles create sense of nostalgia – “The fishmonger…The dancing school”, contributes to the
personal connection between narrator and what she’s describing
 Colloquialism - provides informal tone, again could be reference to the changes in modern society, OR
shows the lasting connection between narrator and where she grew up (effects on her language)
 Personification – “Where dried-up hankies fell in love”, shows sentimental value of seemingly
meaningless objects
 Assonance - adds musical/song-like effect, shows the fondness of her memories
 Taboo language shows outdatedness/attachment to old fashioned attitudes – “Ponce” (effeminate)
 Asyndectic listing (4th stanza) supports the stream of consciousness
 Syntax (6th stanza) – suggests that memories are jaded

Imagery;

 Extended metaphor of hanky – “My mother was the hanky queen”, narrator shows that the hanky’s
durability/sentimental value resembles her mother’s reliability/constant presence
 Constant juxtaposition of hanky’s durability with tissues’ weakness, suggests the differences in people
of old/modern society, frowns upon younger generations
 “Material” itself refers to foundations or upbringing and their importance in creating character

Tone;

 Remains sad and reminiscent throughout – narrator ponders the materialistic characteristic of younger
generations
 Vivid description of memories provide authenticity and contribute to nostalgic feel
 Theme of feminism arises (3rd stanza), stereotypes genders and shows change in social attitudes across
time – also ponders the motherly role of women
 Nostalgia becomes frustration by eighth stanza, narrator feels inadequate, compares herself to her
mother

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