The Way My Mother Speaks: Stanza Two

Overview of “The Way My Mother Speaks: Stanza Two”

  • The second stanza of Carol Ann Duffy’s poem, “The Way My Mother Speaks”, is a poignant exploration of the poet’s relationship with her mother and her roots.
  • Duffy’s mother’s voice is explored as a source of comfort and identity.
  • The stanza creates a sense of nostalgia and longing, especially through its repeated phrases.

The Role of Memory in “The Way My Mother Speaks: Stanza Two”

  • The recurring phrase, “I am homesick, free, in love…” encapsulates the poet’s complex feelings about her mother and her past.
  • Duffy uses repetition of this phrase to evoke a rhythmic, lullaby-like effect, reinforcing the sense of connection with the past and her mother’s influence.
  • The trailing off of the sentences with ellipses (…) suggests incomplete thoughts or memories that float in and fade out, mimicking the nature of nostalgia.

Analysis of Language and Imagery in “The Way My Mother Speaks: Stanza Two”

  • The expressions “sunlit absence” and “cool of the day” evoke a sense of peace and calmness, almost like a lull in between moments of intense emotion.
  • The phrase “the innocent, bold words I seemed to float…“ suggests the idea of the poet’s mother’s voice as a guiding force, lifting her up during difficult times.
  • The word ‘innocent’ hints at the poet’s reflection of a time when she was more untainted by hardships or adult concerns.
  • The words “from years ago” emphasise the enduring power and influence of her mother’s voice, underscoring its importance in shaping Duffy’s sense of self.
  • Duffy contrasts the images of permanence (i.e., the enduring influence of her mother’s voice) and the ephemeral (i.e., the floating words), highlighting the complexities of memories.

In essence, the second stanza of “The Way My Mother Speaks” plays a critical role in establishing the poem’s theme of a deep-rooted mother-daughter relationship. It captures the layers of nostalgia, love, and longing that define this relationship, using evocative language and rich imagery to transport readers into the poet’s emotional world. Accompanied by a rhythmic pattern and melancholic tone, the stanza embodies Duffy’s profound connection to her mother, echoing sentiments of comfort, reassurance, and unbreakable ties.