In Mrs Tilscher's Class: Themes; Change/Growing Up

Overview of “In Mrs Tilscher’s Class: Themes; Change/Growing Up”

“In Mrs Tilscher’s Class” by Carol Ann Duffy recounts the process of growing up, capturing the transition from childhood innocence to the more complex reality of adolescence. The poem explores this progression using the classroom as a symbol for a child’s perception of the world.

Analysis of Themes in “In Mrs Tilscher’s Class: Change/Growing Up”

• The poem’s early stanzas depict the joy and excitement of a primary school classroom, encompassed by the phrase “…you could travel up the Blue Nile with your finger…“ which conveys a sense of adventure and discovery. The school represents the safe, familiar world of early childhood.

• The line “This was better than home” illustrates the child’s absorption in the learning process, underlining the positive influence of education in the early years.

• As the poem progresses, indications of change and growing up start to emerge. The introduction of the thunderstorm, “over the Easter term, the inky tadpoles changed from commas into exclamation marks” suggests the start of turbulent times that accompany adolescence, a transition from the serene to the chaotic.

• The growing up phase is marked by assertiveness and rebellion, depicted in “You kicked him, but gently”. This physical action indicates the narrator’s maturing sentiments and a growing sense of independence.

• The last stanza encapsulates the complex emotions associated with adolescence. The ominous reference, “That feverish July, the air tasted of electricity.” suggests an impending storm, perhaps metaphorically referring to puberty and the arrival of adult sensations.

Discussion of Themes in “In Mrs Tilscher’s Class: Change/Growing Up”

• Childhood Innocence vs. Adolescent Awareness: The narrative structure of the poem itself is a metaphor of this theme. The beginning exudes a childlike sense of curiosity and awe that transforms into a more knowledgeable yet complex understanding of the world as the child matures.

• Physical Changes and Puberty: The development from the ‘inky tadpoles’ into ‘exclamation marks’, the references to growing discomfort and the air tasting of electricity all hint at puberty and the physical changes it brings.

• The Impact of Education: Mrs Tilscher’s classroom is painted as a safe haven, a source of fun learning experiences and the place where the child first begins to perceive changes happening within themselves and their surroundings.

Duffy successfully captures the contrasting emotions associated with growing up, whilst highlighting the transformative power of education. The poem uses vivid imagery to portray the journey from the carefree exploration of childhood to the startling realities of adolescence.