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2. (a) What impression of Anne Carson's father do you get from reading this poem? Support your view by reference to the poem - Leaving Cert English - Question 2 - 2009
Question 2
2. (a) What impression of Anne Carson's father do you get from reading this poem? Support your view by reference to the poem. (b) Briefly describe the mood or fee... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:2. (a) What impression of Anne Carson's father do you get from reading this poem? Support your view by reference to the poem - Leaving Cert English - Question 2 - 2009
Step 1
What impression of Anne Carson's father do you get from reading this poem?
Answer
In the poem 'Father's Old Blue Cardigan', Anne Carson presents a complex image of her father, characterized by nostalgia, warmth, and a sense of loss. The father's actions, such as hanging up the blue cardigan and stamping the snow from his boots, evoke a simple yet poignant portrayal of his daily life. These actions reflect a man who is both ordinary and deeply human.
Carson recalls a moment of intimacy when she remembers him sitting in the dark, invoking a sense of vulnerability and fragility. His secret laws, mentioned in the poem, suggest depth and hidden complexities to his character; they speak to the unseen burdens he carried. This layered depiction of her father highlights the interplay of everyday life and the underlying emotional tapestry that defines their relationship.
Moreover, the image of him standing at the driveway in the blue cardigan symbolizes warmth and protection, akin to a comforting presence in her life. Yet, there is also a bittersweet element, as she recognizes how the passage of time alters perceptions and relationships, leading to an inevitable distancing. Therefore, Carson's father emerges as a figure who is both cherished and missed, creating a deeply affecting impression through evocative imagery and personal recollection.
Step 2
Briefly describe the mood or feeling you get from reading this poem and illustrate your answer from the text.
Answer
The mood of the poem is tinged with nostalgia and melancholy. As one reads through Carson's reflections, there is a palpable sense of longing for connection, as well as an acknowledgment of the passage of time that has created emotional distance. The imagery of the blue cardigan itself serves as a potent symbol of warmth and comfort, evoking memories tied to familial love and protection.
For instance, the lines describing how the father is represented standing at the edge of the driveway, with shadows long around him, create a mood that is both serene and haunting. It signifies both his presence and the inevitable shadows of loss that accompany it. The concluding moments of the poem reinforce this feeling, as the repetition of shocking experiences, illustrated with the phrase 'keep shocking him', hints at the ongoing shock of memories that are both cherished and painful.
Overall, the poem encapsulates a poignant mix of warmth and sorrow, leaving readers with a lingering reflection on their own familial ties and the transient nature of relationships.