The narrator's talking about the men she's had relationships with in the past. She was like a queen and the men played the part of her rescuer. Now she's married and has been turned into a modern wife she must do what her husband wants.
1 of 17
Les Grands Seigneurs - Form
The poem is written from the point of a female narrator. The poet uses sets of lists, enjambment and caesura so that the poem flows like natural speech.
2 of 17
Les Grands Seigneurs - Structure
The poem begins with the narrator's lighthearted reflection on her past. The tone then changes in stanza four when she thinks about her present reality. The quick change in tone emphasises the way her life was transformed overnight becoming a wife.
3 of 17
Les Grands Seigneurs - Language of courtly love
References to medieval romance and courtly love traditions distance the narrator from her past. It makes her past seem romantic but also quite unreal.
4 of 17
Les Grands Seigneurs - Metaphors
The narrator uses lists of metaphors to describe men. These metaphors include buildings, animals and birds which associate men with certain characteristics.
5 of 17
Les Grands Seigneurs - Modern Language
Contemporary language brings the narrator back to the present day and contrasts with the romantic world of courtly love. It reminds us that she has a different life now.
6 of 17
Les Grands Seigneurs - Feelings and Attitudes
Love...Control - As a courtly love queen, the narrator has control of her life. However, there is a shift in power when she marries because her husband has control - now it seems that she's inferior to him...Nostalgia
7 of 17
Les Grands Seigneurs - What impression do you get of the narrator's husband compared to the other men in the poem?
.
8 of 17
Les Grands Seigneurs - What is the effect of the title of the poem?
.
9 of 17
Les Grands Seigneurs - Why do you think her transformation seems to happen so quickly?
.
10 of 17
Les Grands Seigneurs - What impression do you get about how the narrator feels about herself at the end?
.
11 of 17
Les Grands Seigneurs - What can you compare this poem with?
Some poems deal with nostalgia for the past...The narrators in this poem and 'Horse Whisperer' look back to a happier time that's now passed. This narrator's fond memories of single life link to the horse whisperer's nostalgia for a lost trade.
12 of 17
Les Grands Seigneurs - What is the effect of "buttresses", "castellated towers" and "bowers"?
Medieval images of men as protection and strength linked to courtly love tradition.
13 of 17
Les Grands Seigneurs - What is the effect of "peacocks", "cockatoos", "nightingales" and "strutting pink flamingos"?
Comparison of men to birds makes them seem proud and vain.
14 of 17
Les Grands Seigneurs - What is the effect of "dolphins" and "performing seals"?
Animal metaphors suggest the men are friendly and entertaining.
15 of 17
Les Grands Seigneurs - What is the effect of "queen" and "enthroned"?
Women as detached and regal is a courtly love tradition.
16 of 17
Les Grands Seigneurs - What is the effect of "wedded, bedded"?
Modern language for relationships indicates reality. Makes love sound casual.
17 of 17
Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
Les Grands Seigneurs - Form
Back
The poem is written from the point of a female narrator. The poet uses sets of lists, enjambment and caesura so that the poem flows like natural speech.
Comments
No comments have yet been made