For Oom Piet Learning Notes

Structure 4 stanzas, unequal length, a free verse and enjambment. For Oom Piet - The preceding preposition “for” shows the poem is rather a dedication-more of a written gift- to Oom Piet. Remember Oom is to create the idea of respect Finuala Dowling When I was least happy in life my daughter led me across the road to a neighbour whom I did not know with the purpose of a toddler who does not see gates and fences but the ducks and puppies on the other side. - The speaker chooses the word “least happy”, instead of sad. This suggest she is usually a happy person. - We see inversion of roles, the mother is led by the daughter, instead of her leading the child. - she uses the term neighbour instead of stranger. - With nothing but innocence of a child - Who sees no boundaries, they only have their end goal in their mind - The ducks and the puppies are playful, just as toddlers are. Symbolism of joy, on the other side. Symbolism- Daughter, crossing the road, neighbour, ducks and puppies Tone- sombre/ sad Mood- curious You spoke to me in the same low murmuring tones - Alliteration- The “m” sound creates sense of comfort. you used for lame horses and bilious dogs. - just like the woman, they need to be loved and nurtured back to health. They symbolise her Crops, flowers and poultry were our theme: wounded state. – The theme of the day creates an idea of a farm style. you made me tea and wiped the counter, - inversion of roles, as she needs to be tendered to. The tea to is there to comfort her. you said ‘Foeitog’ and ‘I don’t hope so.’ - The use of Afrikaans word and direct translation boldly highlights his authenticity as an Afrikaaner. You guessed. -He noted and noticed her hurt You told me I was beautiful, - The compliment comes with respect of an elder, to reassure and comfort the woman. In the courtly way of an old man. - Anaphora in the stanza- To shift focus from the woman to Oom Piet. Why? To recount his acts Symbolism- Lame horses, bilious dogs, crops,flowers and poultry, tea, wiping the counter Tone- Sympathetic/warm/soothing Mood- Welcoming/warm/loving/nostalgic One day when it rained you phoned from your side and said of kindness and how generous he has been. - Anecdote – to position the reader closer to Oom Piet, as they are as well. - Familiarity is established. A neighbourly relationship ‘I’m sending some ducks for Beatrix’ ̶ you always called her ‘Beatrix’ out the window we saw them, waddling over, in the way of ducks when directed by Oom Piet. - Calls her Beatrix because he is an elder and may struggle to pronounce the word, The mother accepts it, as they are now close - The alliteration creates a playful sound and emphasises the waddling movement of ducks Symbolism- rain, ducks, window Tone- frolicsome/sportive/frisky Mood- playfulness You moved and I moved, but one thing stays: the sense of a rescue, somehow being saved. Symbolism- moving on, rescue Tone- Grateful/thankful/appreciative Mood- Gratitude/indebted - The Colon shows us new information or change is about to be given and places emphasis on it -The Alliteration/sibilance create sense of security. The idea of rescue means she has returned to a better state- happy again.