Winter Swans

clouds (tension)

clouds had given their all

• personification of clouds perhaps suggest there are external forces harming their relationship, to the couple it might seem like everything is against them, making it seem harder to change things for the better

• pathetic fallacy portrays the tension and problems early on in the poem

• clouds can cover the whole sky, and so with this they can help represent how the couples problems always seem to tower over their relationship, they’re always there, looming

waterlogged (tension)

waterlogged earth gulping for breath

• metaphor for suffocating relationship? all the problems create immense pressure and stress on the couple

• verb ‘gulping’ portrays their desperation, but they’re unable to solve their problems, they’re trapped in this difficult position unable to escape it/overcome it

• imagery of “waterlogged” could show how the relationship is overwhelmingly full of problems

boats (good relationship)

like boats righting in rough weather

• ‘rough weather’ presents harm circumstances

• boats symbolise stability and resilience

• simile reflect how the swans are able to overcome hard times and so gives the couple hope

porcelain (good relationship)

porcelain

• has connotations of longevity and so reinforces how the swans mate for their whole life

• could represent relationships as precious but also fragile

• porcelain is white which connotes purity and innocence, this helps to present the good and precious side of the relationship

wings (unity)

like a pair of wings settling after flight

• ‘pair’ shows how they are now united at the end

• comparing them to wings could present how they can fly/succeed with the help and support of each other, aspects that are impossible to do alone are more achievable with the help of another

• this simile helps create a sense of stability

• ‘settling’ = peace after conflict

• change in structure at the end into couplet shows them as together

• the couple are now mirroring the swans actions, thy have been a good influence and have given them hope for their relationship