Literary Devices
What device is used in the line "She raised him twice, once as a mother then as a father"
What does the poet refer to vomit as?
metallic tide
Which quote can be used for the theme Adolesence to Violence
“you give him one whole submachine gun”
Suggest two words each that can be used to describe the mood and tone.
mood - despair, sympathy, etc.
tone - melancholy, depressed, etc.
Which other poem discusses violence as a theme?
Dulce et Decorum Est
What does "bloody salary" refer to?
the son’s violent death, being repaid at the cost of his life
Complete the line. She ..... psalms for him, she .... psalms for you
says, reads
Which stanza portrayed potential grief the most?
Stanza 6
What does the mother’s voice symbolize?
Wisdom, conscience, and helplessness
Comment on the two different parenting styles between the mother in this poem and the father in Little Boy Crying and how this affected the children's outcome.
In this poem, the mother did not take any disciplinary actions and instead resorted to spiritual help by praying. On the other hand, the father in Little Boy Crying took action by physically disciplining him which resulted in the boy's reaction.
Give two instances of imagery in the poem
1. "metallic tide rising in her mouth each morning”- ‘metallic tide’ is gustatory imagery
2. “prayers and a mother’s tears and at knee city” - visual imagery
Complete the line. "that you value him so much......
you give him one whole submachine gun for him alone"
What factors contributed to him being involved in gang life despite his mother's efforts?
The fact that he did not have a present father so he took a person of bad influence and saw him as a father figure
What can you interpret the significance of using Absalom to end the poem, sort of like saying Amen at the end of a prayer.
Absalom betrayed his father, which implies that the mother feels betrayed by her son since she had placed all her hopes in him. By ending like this, it shows the mother done with this matter, she knows her sons outcome is inevitable.
Which poem also uses a parent/relationship as a key element of the poem and compre and contrast them?
Little Boy Crying
State two instances where the poet uses biblical illusions and explain them
1. “Judas Iscariot’s mother”, “the thief on the left hand side of the cross”
2. "what kind of father would give a son hot and exploding death, when he askes him for bread”
What is the speaker referring to in the last line when she says "Absalom."
It is a reference to Absalom, the son of David. Absalom betrayed his father
Name five other themes that can be linked to the poem?
Love, powerlessness, parent-child relationships, social issues and gender roles
Give an explaination of how the title is significant to the content of the poem.
The title suggests concern. Typically, it is uncommon for one’s parents to reach out to their employer. Thus, the reason for her contact must be serious, or urgent.
Give a detailed background on the poet.
Once you mention: her name, where she is from and some achievements
Explain the use of sarcasm in the poem
He was fair-minded, he treated all his children with equal and unbiased indifference.", praising him for a lack of favouritism, while insinuating a lack of interest at all. It’s also a slight indication of the poet's personal views on absent fathers peeking through in her writing.
Explain the cliche used in the poem
these occupations are usually favoured by parents of children who live in underprivileged areas, fueled by their desire for a " better life" for their children.
List the ways in which the theme of religion was used in the poem.
biblical illusions, showing the mother's faith through her actions, etc
By putting the reader in the shoes of the gang leader, the reader gets a sense of reflection
How is the speaker’s voice in this poem similar to the speaker in My Parents?
Both show concern about a child being drawn into destructive influences