“Last Supper: Overview”

Context

Scottish poet Liz Lochhead’s “Last Supper” is an exploration of relationships, food, and communication. Inspired by Biblical themes, it presents a unique perspective of a modern-day last supper.
This thought-provoking poem falls within the vast repertoire of Lochhead’s work that explores human relationships and emotions.

At the heart of “Last Supper” are the themes of communication, dissatisfaction, betrayal, and the complexities of relationships.
Lochhead portrays a dinner scene, which serves as a metaphor for a relationship that is on the brink of falling apart.
The poem intricately links the ideas of food and emotions to indicate different degrees of satisfaction and dissatisfaction within the relationship.
The notion of betrayal, influenced by the Biblical narrative of the last supper, is subtly infused into the fabric of the poem.

The poem features two main characters — the speaker and their partner. There are also a host of other characters present that represent the people in their shared life.
The speaker can be interpreted as an individual who is dissatisfied with their relationship and is considering leaving their partner.
All the characters represent various facets of the couple’s life and the ensuing tensions within their relationship.

Lochhead uses rich imagery and language to explore the abstract concepts of dissatisfaction in the relationship and the sense of impending doom.
The poet uses food imagery to give a sensory experience to the readers. The choice of food and drinks, and the way they are served, all serve as symbols reflecting different elements of the relationships.
There is a heavy use of religious language in the poem, such as “chalice”, “bless”, and “sacrifice”, hinting at the gravity of the impending split.

“Last Supper” features a free verse form, typical of Lochhead’s poetry, emphasising the natural and informal conversation, reflecting the everyday scenarios of life.
The poem does not follow a specific rhyme scheme, suggesting a fluidity and spontaneity in the unfolding narrative.
The punctuation and stanza breaks are strategically placed to create a sense of tension, showcase emotional arguments, and to represent the speaker’s hesitations and doubts.
The use of enjambment allows the narrative to spill over from one line to another without a pause, reinforcing the dramatic effect of tension and uncertainty.