In Mrs Tilscher's Class: Form and Structure

In Mrs Tilscher’s Class: Form and Structure

Overview of Form and Structure in “In Mrs Tilscher’s Class”

• “In Mrs Tilscher’s Class” takes on a free verse structure with no consistent rhyme or meter, reflecting the nature of childhood, open and unstructured.

• The poem is divided into four stanzas of varying lengths, which help to denote the passage of time throughout the school year, from the initial excitement to the eventual fear at adolescence.

• The first two stanzas focus on the innocent, secure world of early primary school, while the latter two stanzas mark the transition to the complexity and confusion of puberty.

• The poem moves from the specific and tangible (describing classroom objects) to the** abstract and intangible**, reflecting the shift from childhood to adolescence.

Key Features of Form and Structure in “In Mrs Tilscher’s Class”

• The personal tone of the poem allows the audience to get deeply in touch with Duffy’s experiences, and aids in building a strong connection between the reader and the writer.

• Carol Ann Duffy’s use of enjambment across stanzas and within them serves to create a seamless flow of ideas and thoughts, mimicking the natural progression of time and growth.

• The evocative description of the classroom and school life at the outset of the poem quickly transitions to more metaphorical and symbolic language, mirroring the transition from the literal learning in child’s life to the metaphorical learning with puberty.

• The use of first-person narration gives the poem a personal and autobiographical feel, enhancing the emotional connection with the reader.

Analysis of Form and Structure in “In Mrs Tilscher’s Class”

• The lack of a consistent rhyme scheme and meter in the poem reflect the unpredictable journey of growth and self-discovery.

• The structural shift from physical to abstract mirrors the emotional and psychological journey of a child moving from the familiar, secure world of school to the uncertain terrain of adolescence.

• Enjambment within stanzas and across them create a sense of continuity and ongoing progression, reflective of the relentless march of time.

Through this exploration of the form and structure of “In Mrs Tilscher’s Class,” we can see how Duffy skilfully uses these elements to reflect the transition from childhood to adolescence, crafting a tangible narrative of personal growth and transformation.