English Notes Latest Questions

  1. The concept of nostalgia and how it affects our identity and feelings is the theme of the poem "Nostalgia." As we are reminded of experiences that we may have forgotten or suppressed, nostalgia can be both soothing and frightening, as the poem examines. Duffy mentions the concept that nostalgia mighRead more

    The concept of nostalgia and how it affects our identity and feelings is the theme of the poem “Nostalgia.” As we are reminded of experiences that we may have forgotten or suppressed, nostalgia can be both soothing and frightening, as the poem examines. Duffy mentions the concept that nostalgia might function as a type of escapism, as we withdraw into the past to escape the present.

    Nostalgia Summary

    See less
  1. The poem's central idea is nostalgia and how it might influence our lives. Duffy puts out the notion that nostalgia, which may have a significant influence on our feelings and memories, can be both beneficial and unpleasant. The poem makes the point that nostalgia is a difficult and sometimes contraRead more

    The poem’s central idea is nostalgia and how it might influence our lives. Duffy puts out the notion that nostalgia, which may have a significant influence on our feelings and memories, can be both beneficial and unpleasant. The poem makes the point that nostalgia is a difficult and sometimes contradictory feeling since it may be both reassuring and sad at the same time.

    Nostalgia Summary

    See less
  1. Imagery: The use of vivid and descriptive language to create mental pictures and sensory impressions. For example, "a photograph torn in half / two halves of a black and white / kiss" creates a vivid image of a torn photograph. Metaphor: The comparison of one thing to another to highlight similaritiRead more

    1. Imagery: The use of vivid and descriptive language to create mental pictures and sensory impressions. For example, “a photograph torn in half / two halves of a black and white / kiss” creates a vivid image of a torn photograph.
    2. Metaphor: The comparison of one thing to another to highlight similarities and differences. For example, “nostalgia, which bathes the past / in a rosy, sunset glow” uses the metaphor of bathing to describe the way nostalgia colors our memories.
    3. Repetition: The repetition of words, phrases, or sounds for emphasis and to create a sense of rhythm. For example, “I remember, I remember” is repeated several times throughout the poem to create a sense of nostalgia and longing.
    4. Personification: The attribution of human qualities to nonhuman things. For example, “nostalgia, who lives in the back of my head” personifies nostalgia as a living entity.
    5. Alliteration: The repetition of the same sound or letter at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words. For example, “moons, marble, mirrors” uses alliteration to create a sense of musicality and rhythm.
    6. Enjambment: The continuation of a sentence or phrase over a line break, without a pause. For example, “nostalgia, who lives in the back of my head / like a lodger, has paid rent / for years” uses enjambment to create a flowing, continuous rhythm.
    7. Irony: The use of words to convey a meaning that is opposite to their literal meaning. For example, “nostalgia, which tingles / like sherbet in the tongue” uses irony to convey the bittersweet nature of nostalgia.

    Nostalgia Summary

    See less