“The Bargain: Form and Structure”

Form

“The Bargain” is a mono-rhyme sonnet. This traditional poetic form typically consists of 14 lines with a set rhyme scheme.
While sonnets are often associated with themes of romance and love, Lochhead provides a fresh take, examining the everyday elements of a romantic relationship.

The poem’s structure plays a major role in conveying its themes. It does not follow a strict rhythm or metre, giving an everyday, layman quality to the poem.
The poet utilises enjambment, a technique where a sentence continues beyond the end of the line or verse. This overlapping of thoughts and sentences can be seen as portraying the ongoing, shared experience of the couple.
The narrative unfolds in an informal, conversational manner, giving readers a sense of intimacy, as though we are a part of the couple’s personal discussion.
It is also of note that Lochhead arranges the poem unconventionally, with a volta, or a shift in tone or mood, that is not aligned with the traditional sonnet form.

The unconventional form and flexible structure of the poem mirror the couple’s unorthodox relationship. Their ‘bargain’ and the way they manoeuvre their life do not follow societal norms, which is reflected in Lochhead’s unique sonnet.
The casual tone underlines the honesty and openness that exists between the couple. Their commitment to each other is not bound by grandiose gestures but by sharing household chores and making compromises.
The enjambment and conversational rhythm reflect the couple’s ease and comfort with each other, emphasizing the realness of their bond. There is an effortlessness in their interactions that can be seen mirrored in the poem’s casual rhythm.