English Literature: Carol Ann Duffy Answer

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Give two themes in the poem.
Obsession and unconditional love
1 of 11
What is significant about the title "Answer"?
We know the personas answer, not the other person's - they're possibly not as keen
2 of 11
"Or if you were none of these, but really death"
The persona knows love will destroy her but doesn't care - they would die for/to be with the person.
3 of 11
"air...water...fire...stone"
Four main elements, fundamental substances to show love.
4 of 11
"your body only breeze against my dress"
My - first person which represents possession
5 of 11
"Your words a wind with litter for its nouns"
Personification - litter is person, will continue to love
6 of 11
"If you were made of air"
Can't keep control of love - likewise air, vanishing and uncatchable
7 of 11
"Your breast a deep, dark lake nursing the drowned"
Images of physical pain and death
8 of 11
"Your voice a roaring, foaming waterfall"
Strong and powerful, overwhelmed and out of control
9 of 11
"Your tongue a red-hot poker in your throat, your heart a small coal glowing in your chest"
Bitter words, saying you cause me pain but i can take it - unrequitted love
10 of 11
What is the whole poem?
An extended metaphor
11 of 11

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What is significant about the title "Answer"?

Back

We know the personas answer, not the other person's - they're possibly not as keen

Card 3

Front

"Or if you were none of these, but really death"

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

"air...water...fire...stone"

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

"your body only breeze against my dress"

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
View more cards

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