English Literature: Carol Ann Duffy - Brothers

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What is the poem based on?
Duffy's actual personal memories
1 of 14
What is a quatrain?
A four line stanza
2 of 14
"Once I slept in a bed with four men"
These four men are her brothers
3 of 14
"Who share an older face"
They've grown up, have the same face
4 of 14
"There's no way in the creation of God's earth" (in italics)
The italics represent speech - give prominence, shared history - memory
5 of 14
"and in my other eyes"
The eyes of her childhood
6 of 14
"to an alter boy, a boy practising scales, a boy playing tennis, a baby crying"
Memories of each of them when they are young
7 of 14
"I don't have photographs, but I like to repeat the names"
Suggests a possible break between Duffy and her brothers
8 of 14
"I like to repeat the names. My mother chose them. I hear her life in the words"
Her brothers name reminds of her mother - she chose their names
9 of 14
"My breeding words"
Metaphoric
10 of 14
"The word that broke her heart"
Angry words between Duffy and her mother. Possibly a lesbian - mother doesn't accept. The word is 'dirty' as dirty as being a thief
11 of 14
"Thieves and businessmen, fathers and UB40's"
Suggests single man
12 of 14
"We have nothing to say, but time owns us"
Share history
13 of 14
"I shall pay for a box and watch them shoulder it"
Coffin - mother's funeral - still a child of the mother
14 of 14

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What is a quatrain?

Back

A four line stanza

Card 3

Front

"Once I slept in a bed with four men"

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

"Who share an older face"

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

"There's no way in the creation of God's earth" (in italics)

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
View more cards

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