The Emigree

• Who is the author of the poem "The Emigrée"?

  Carol Rumens
• What is the main theme of "The Emigrée"?


  • The experience of leaving one's country
  • Fond memories contrasted with discrimination
  • The impact of language and identity
• What does the narrator reflect on in "The Emigrée"?


  The narrator reflects on her memories of the country she left as a child.
• How does the narrator view her memories of her homeland?


  She believes her memories to be infallible.
• What does the narrator acknowledge about her homeland in the poem?


  She acknowledges that there are tyrants and wars throughout the land.
• How does the narrator's perspective change over time?


  She gains more clarity on the situation regarding her homeland.
• What role does language play in the narrator's identity?


  Her language is important in terms of who she is.
• What emotions does the narrator express towards her city?


  She presents maternal emotions towards it.
• How does the narrator compare her old city to her new home?


  She either returns to how the city is today or compares it to her new home.
• What atmosphere does the narrator perceive from the citizens of her new city?


  There is a threatening atmosphere from the citizens.
• How does the narrator's perception of her old city contrast with her new city?


  Her old city is associated with positivity, while her new city feels threatening.
• What is the significance of the title "The Emigrée"?


  It indicates the theme of emigration and cultural identity.
• How does Carol Rumens' background influence her writing?


  Her experiences living in different places reflect in her writing about foreign customs and cultures.
• What are the main themes explored in "The Emigrée"?

  • Memory and nostalgia
  • Identity and cultural conflict
  • The impact of language
  • The contrast between past and present
• What literary device is used in the phrase "sunlight-clear"?


  It is an example of imagery that conveys clarity and positivity.
• What does the phrase "my original view, the bright, filled paperweight" suggest?


  It suggests that her memories are cherished and unchanging despite reality.
• What does the use of temporal deixis create in the poem?


  It creates a childlike tone to the poem.
• How does the narrator's vocabulary reflect her childhood?


  It shows that she has not moved on from her childhood.
• What does the phrase "the frontiers rise between us, close like waves" imply?


  It implies a sense of separation and conflict due to borders.
• What does the narrator mean by "I have no passport, there’s no way back at all"?


  It signifies her permanent separation from her homeland.
• How does the narrator describe her relationship with her city?


  She describes it as loving and protective.
• What does the enjambment in "Through the city// Of walls" suggest?


  It creates a sense of isolation and entrapment.
• What does the use of free verse in the poem represent?


  It represents chaos and lack of control over her situation.
• What is the effect of the epistrophe in the poem?


  It emphasizes the importance of sunlight in her memories.
• How does the subjunctive case function in the poem?


  It indicates that the negative attributes of her city seem hypothetical to her.
• What does the extended metaphor in the poem represent?


  It represents a lost childhood and the narrator's relationship with her former city.
• What are the similarities and differences between "The Emigrée" and "Checking Out Me History"?


  Similarities:

  • Both explore cultural identity and conflict.
  • Emotional significance of heritage is central.
  • Language plays a crucial role.

  
  

  Differences:

  • "Checking Out Me History" has a more aggressive tone.
  • "The Emigrée" uses light imagery for an idealized childhood.
• In what year was "The Emigrée" published?


  1993
• What does the phrase "I comb its hair and love its shining eyes" imply about the narrator's feelings towards her city?


  It implies a nurturing and affectionate relationship.
• How does the narrator feel about the accusations from the citizens of her new city?


  She feels persecuted and unwelcome.
• What does the repetition of "they accuse me" signify in the poem?


  It signifies the hostility and racism she faces in her new city.
• What does the narrator mean by "my shadow falls as evidence of sunlight"?


  It suggests that her memories of her homeland are a source of light and hope.
• How does the poem "The Emigrée" reflect on the theme of conflict?


  It reflects on the conflict between the narrator's memories and her current reality.
• What does the phrase "city of walls" symbolize in the poem?


  It symbolizes isolation and barriers in her new life.
• How does the poem convey the idea of nostalgia?


  Through the narrator's fond memories and idealized view of her homeland.
• What does the narrator's lack of a passport signify in the poem?


  It signifies her permanent separation from her homeland.
• How does the poem's structure contribute to its meaning?

  The free verse structure reflects chaos and the narrator's lack of control.
• What does the use of gustatory imagery in the poem convey?


  It conveys the narrator's delight in her memories.
• How does the poem address the theme of identity?


  It explores the narrator's struggle with her cultural identity after emigration.
• What does the juxtaposition of "sunlight" and "branded" suggest in the poem?


  It suggests a conflict between positive memories and painful realities.