Aunt Julia

Free Verse

The poem is in free verse which corresponds with aunt Julia’s eccentricity and unpredictability

“Aunt Julia speaks Gaelic

Very loud and very fast”

Theme - Language Barriers

Despite this language barrier, he goes on to draw a picture of a strong, capable and passionate woman who created a haven of safety and security in her house for the young boy.

“I could not answer her -

I could not understand her.”

Repetition of “I could not” emphasises the writers helplessness. Shows his regret over not learning the language while he still could. Reinforces the barrier in communication.

She wore men’s boots

When she wore any.

Conveys her as believing in practicality over conventionality. Unlikely to get stuck in superficial trends. Uses functional shoes instead of fancy shoes. Aunt Julia is in tune with the island life and the chores she needs to do.

“Stained with Peat”

Word choice of “stained” - Emphasises how long and hard she works. She does not let her body hold her back. Aunt Julia does not have time to covet her appearance.

“Paddling with the treadle of the spinning wheel”

Sentence structure has a rhythm due to the length of the words. Sounds like the spinning wheel.

“Marvellously out of the air”

Word choice of “Marvellously” suggests magic and a sense of wonder. She is so experienced and talented at her job she warrants awe. Capable.

“In the absolute darkness”

Word choice of darkness generally connotates evil and pain. Except in the scenario it is soothing and serene to the writer due to the calming presence of his Aunt Julia. The island is in complete darkness due to being rural and off the grid. No light pollution.

“Crickets being friendly”

Normally someone would see crickets with disgusting or frightful. The writer feels so safe around his Aunt that his fear and preconceptions over the bugs are non-existent. He feels that when he is with his Aunt nothing could go wrong. Shows that the language barrier between the writer and his Aunt was surmounted by and instinctive bond.

“She was buckets”

Displays the writers Aunt as eccentric and crazy.

“And water flouncing into them.

She was winds pouring wetly”

Compares the writers Aunt to water and air which are crucial to life. Shows her as lively and down to earth.

“And a keeper of threepennybits

In a tea pot.”

Although she works hard, she does not have much money. Shows that even with a hard life, it does not affect her relationship with the writer.

“By the time I had learned”

It is too late by the time he had learnt his aunties language. He cannot communicate her. Also symbolises growing up and learning about adulthood. End of childhood naivety and innocence.

“Silenced in the absolute black”

Death connotates darkness. Where before the darkness was comforting, now his Aunt is gone he feels insecure.

“Of a sandy grave

At Luskentyre.”

Short lines, like the writer is pausing for thought. Tone of regret.

“With a seagull’s voice”

“Her words are still incomprehensible but her language is conveyed through feeling and their bond. Shows how in touch with the island life she was.