Here, Spirits: Structure & Language Techniques – A Level English Language and Literature OCR Revision

Structure and Form

“Here, Spirits” predominantly takes the form of free verse, creating an engaging narrative flow that mimics natural speech patterns and thoughts.
The lack of regular stanzas and rhymes offers a sense of freedom, in reflecting the fluctuating circumstances of family life and relationships the poem conveys.
There are occasional moments of caesura in lines like “My uncle’s death - a trawl…” which force a pause, serving to highlight the speaker’s emotional shifts or critical thoughts.
The poem does not follow a linear timeline, instead there is a constant shifting between past and present which mirrors the speaker’s exploration of his family history and legacy.

Sam-La Rose uses metaphors throughout the poem, such as “the trawl” and “the sea”. These provide a depth of meaning, with the sea taking on multiple interpretations, perhaps symbolising death, the unknown, or life’s struggles.
The poem utilises personal pronouns such as ‘I’, ‘you’, and ‘our’, hinting at the intimacy we can have with memory. This creates a sense of the speaker sharing his family stories and links with readers.
The imagery of the ‘silver chain’ acts as an extended metaphor, signifying the lasting bond between the speaker and his uncle, as well as hinting to the ancestral links and spiritual connections within the family.
A powerful instance of symbolism is the ‘broom’, symbolising the clean sweep, and hence, represents a sense of spiritual cleansing and renewal.
Sibilance in the line “soft… slipping… silver chain…” manages to mirror the sound of the sea, creating a smooth, flowing sensation which vibes with the water imagery throughout the poem.
The poet’s use of juxtaposition, such as contrasting the poems’s beginning with its end, serves to highlight change and development in the speaker’s perspective.

The tone varies in the poem, often shifting from serious contemplations to a more informal, conversational tone, reflecting the complexity and fluidity of personal reflection.
The mood of the poem is coloured by aspects of sorrow, nostalgia, and acceptance. It captures the poignant feeling of coming to terms with the death of loved ones, blending personal feelings with broader existential concerns.
A note of optimism can be sensed by the poem’s end as the speaker takes comfort in his belief in spirits and the ongoing presence of his ancestors.