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Look at lines 1–9 - Scottish Highers English - Question 37 - 2023
Question 37
Look at lines 1–9. By referring to at least two examples, analyse how the poet's use of language creates a mood of uncertainty. I say her phrases to myself in my he... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Look at lines 1–9 - Scottish Highers English - Question 37 - 2023
Step 1
Look at lines 1–9. By referring to at least two examples, analyse how the poet's use of language creates a mood of uncertainty.
Answer
In lines 1–9, Duffy employs evocative language to evoke a sense of uncertainty in the speaker’s reflections. The phrases 'I say her phrases to myself' and 'under the shadows of my breath' illustrate a fragmented thought process, hinting at a lack of clarity in the speaker's mind. The juxtaposition of 'restful shapes moving' suggests a juxtaposition between calmness and the fluid nature of the speaker's thoughts, creating an ambiguous mood.
Furthermore, the repetition of 'The day and ever' reflects a cyclical obsession, implying the speaker’s struggle to grasp the fleeting nature of memory. This uncertainty is accentuated in the line 'What is like is' which raises a question about understanding and connection, leaving the reader with a sense of uneasiness and ambiguity. Through these examples, Duffy captures the introspective journey of the speaker, reinforcing the mood of uncertainty that permeates the poem.