Speechless I: Plot

“Speechless I: Plot” Overview Summary

  • “Speechless I” is a poignant narrative poem that delves into the silent communication occurring between a mother and son in their family home.

Understanding the Plot

  • The narration of the poem is in the first person, which offers an intimate perspective into the central character’s thoughts and emotions.
  • The action in the poem occurs predominantly via non-verbal cues, with the central characters interacting through silence, suggesting a depth of communication beyond spoken words.
  • The mother is depicted silently reading while the son conducts his activities around her, indicating the presence of an unexpressed yet palpable bond between them.
  • Elements like the creaking floorboards, the mother’s humming, and the ambient noise seem to fill the void of conversation, adding layers to the silence around them.

Critical Moments

  • The unanswered phone call represents an external disruption to their quiet cohabitation, providing a stark contrast to their silent connection.
  • The son’s choice not to answer the phone is a significant moment as it emphasises his desire to maintain the silence, suggesting an understanding, respect and shared intimacy with his mother in that moment.
  • The mother’s silent acknowledgement of his choice exemplifies their profound understanding of each other’s silence.

Primary Characters

  • Mother: She embodies a significant anchor point around which the action takes place in the poem. Her quiet presence and humming suggest a sense of comfort and familiarity within the silence.
  • Son: Through his experiences, the poem explores the dynamics of silent communication between him and his mother. His actions seem to stem from a mutual understanding of their shared silence.

Key Messaging

In “Speechless I”, silence becomes a powerful communication tool, illustrating the nuanced relationship between the poems’ central characters. Their decision to uphold their silence, despite external disruptions, highlights the depth of their shared understanding.