Ghazal

Background of Poet

• Mimi Khalvati was born in Tehran and raised on the Isle of Wight
• She went to boarding school
• She strated writing poetry after having children

Context

• A Ghazal is a form of ancient persian poetry
• They are often connected wiht the idea of love and longing
• Poem mentions the famous writer Rumi, who wrote a series of Ghazals to his close friend.

Subject

• The speaker is seeking the attention of another person
• The response of the onbject of their affections is unclear but suggests that her feelings are not reciprocated

Structure

• The poem is written in couplets
• Gives the impression of pairs, and by writing in this structure the poet is forcing the pair to be together, even when their feelings are not the same

Language

• Extensive use of metaphors, comparing the relationship to two complimentary objects, reflecting the way the speaker views the relationship
• Compares to a rhyme and a refrian, Suggests that the two are part of a larger whole, though the speaker is the lesser half (less inventive, orignial, important).
• Speaker uses 'spell' to suggest that love is magical and powerful, referencing its ability to change people and 'subdue' a venemous snake. Could suggest that she sees herself as unworthy because snakes are connected with evil.
• Low self-esteem shown in 'laurel leaf in your crown', shows the 'partner' to be a high achiever, worthy of laurel crowns where as…