Ghazal

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  • Created by: Qiao-Chu
  • Created on: 17-04-13 20:53

Background

Mimi Khalvati - born in Thran, grew up in Isle of Wight, wrote poetry when looking after children, published first collection in 10991, shortlisted for TS Eliot poetry prize.

Ghazal style - ancient persian form of poetry, similar to sonnet, often part of larger collection. 

Rumi - famous ghazal writer, wrote sequence to close friend and spiritual inspiration Shamsuddin, love and longing.

"Ghazal" - love poem where speaker seeks to secure love and attention of another, unclear details, impression that feelings of speaker not shared by object of affection.

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Structure

Traditional ghazals - sequence of two line stanzas (couplets), two lines do not rhyme but end of each couplet does, repetition of 'me'.

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Language (1)

Metaphors to explore relationship between speaker and the one they love, pairs of items or objects complementing each other, reflects how speaker sees relationship.

Two sides of relationship like 'rhyme' and 'refrain'. lovers together as part of larger whole. connects the two through poetry and creativity.

Speaker sees self as less inventive, original and creative refrain, whilst lover is more important rhyme.

Snake charmer and snake metaphor, beneficial pairing, 'spell' = powerful magic of love able to transform or change, 'subdue' snake.

Laurel leaf and crown - only contact with loved one is through tree bark, speaker always been in shadows, low self-esteem, object of affection is high-achiever, worthy of laurel crowns.

Shape should I take - offering to change shape to appeal to one they love, 'marry' used as pun, hawk/shadow, moth/flame - destructive idea and irresistable attraction, speaker aware of destructive nature of their feelings.

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Attitudes, Themes and Ideas

Reference to lover can can complete a person, natural images of pairs, things that enhance each other, physical closeness, love causes transformation or change.

'Be heaven and earth to me...' - expresses speaker's opinion that by receiving someone's love, they become greater, love is powerful force increasing a person's worth.

Love and longing can be positive and negative - 'iron fist in the velvet glove', 'venemous tongue/charmer', contrasting images of pleasure and pain of love.

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Comparisons

In Paris With You - feelings of longing for someone, Ghazal less clear of outcome, IPWY suggests relationship is reality.

Farmer's Bride - negative sense of longing, dwelling on farmer subduing and controlling wife rather than being prepared to change.

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