Guys
by Sheenagh Pugh
Stanza 1
- What kind of atmosphere is created in the first stanza? List any words which particularly contribute to this effect.
- What does the word ‘tacked’ suggest about the construction of these ‘guys’?
- The first two sentences in this stanza present a November scene effectively but after the ‘But…’ a significant development occurs in the poem. What is it? Notice how the position of the first two words in the last line of stanza 1 gives them extra emphasis.
- In what ways are these eyes ‘ownerless’?
Stanza 2
- Which words and phrases convey the attitude of the children to the real ‘guys’? List them.
- Comment on the list of three nouns used to describe the ‘rivals’.
- What is the tone of the last two lines of this verse?
Stanza 3
- Discuss this last stanza. What has it got to do with the previous one?
- What is the significance of the mention of a ‘merry death’? What is the significance of ‘a warlock circle’?
- What do you think Pugh is exploring here?
To look at:
The rhyme scheme – analyse how it works and consider the effect of half rhyme.
Find an example of an oxymoron.
Find an effective use of alliteration and discuss why it is effective.
Links
- Which Duffy poems could you link this with?
The haggard and the falconer
by Sheenagh Pugh
Stanza 1
- What does this verse tell...
