IN MRS TILSCHERS CLASS
“a skittle of milk”
The metaphor, “skittle of milk,” is very effective. The inclusion of the detail of, “milk,” is particularly effective. The white colour of the milk reflects the purity and innocent mind of the persona. Highlighting that Duffy is in her youth and is inexperienced. The comparison of milk bottles to skittles is also effective. It reminds us of games played at school highlighting how innocent the poet was. This shows how enjoyable school was for the persona which helps draw in the reader into the poem through these common experiences.
OPINION - Personally I feel that I could relate to this as I am familiar with the primary school environment. I feel Duffy’s use of the metaphor quite compelling.
“The classroom glowed like a sweetshop.”
The simile, “The classroom glowed like a sweetshop,” is comparing the class, what would be for a child , a colourful place: to a sweetshop. This creates a very positive about the classroom. The word, “glowed,” creates a very warm, colourful and comfortable atmosphere. It reflects the enthusiasm and delight that appeared on the children’s faces when they entered the room. They were thrilled and excited to be there. A sweetshop is usually the best place in the world to a child, and being there would create an excitement amongst friends. This emphasises how much the children loved being there and how magnificent this classroom was.
OPNION - Reading this simile aroused my senses fully and let my mind remember how amazing sweet shops really were as a child, therefore developing my understanding of how much the young Carol Ann Duffy enjoyed her classroom. This is a really clever way of connecting with the reader.
“Brady and Hindley faded, like the faint, uneasy smudge of a mistake.”
The simile, “Brady and Hindley faded, like the faint, uneasy smudge of a mistake,” is very effective. The child murderers Brady and Hindley were horrifying and faded when they were alive.