before you were mine

• What year was Carolan Duffy born?

  1955
• What family background did Carolan Duffy have?

  Raised in a Roman Catholic family
• What is the historical context of women in the 1950s relevant to the poem?

  Women were expected to stay home and raise families
• What does "Before You Were Mine" reflect on regarding Carolan Duffy's mother?

  Her mother's life before having children
• What dual theme is present in "Before You Were Mine"?

  Love and the inevitability of women's roles
• How does Carolan Duffy's poetry often portray women's roles?

  As predetermined and inescapable
• What is the plot summary of "Before You Were Mine"?

  • Reflects on Duffy's mother's youth
  • Explores themes of motherhood and loss
  • Contrasts youthful freedom with domestic duty
• What does the title "Before You Were Mine" imply?

  It suggests a parent-child relationship
• What imagery is used to describe Duffy's mother in the poem?

  Glamorous in a polka dot dress
• What does the mention of Marilyn Monroe signify in the poem?

  Connection to glamour and youth
• What does the phrase "the decade ahead of my loud possessive yell" suggest?

  Reflects on the mother's lost freedom
• What does the "wrong pavement" symbolize in the poem?

  Life choices that limit freedom
• How does the poem's structure relate to its themes?

  It follows a dramatic monologue format
• What is a dramatic monologue?

  A poem where one speaks to a silent listener
• How does Duffy's use of language enhance the poem's themes?

  It contrasts youthful dreams with harsh realities
• What does the phrase "your ghost clatters towards me" imply?

  Reflection on the mother's past life
• What does the imagery of "stamping stars" suggest?

  Creating sparks of joy and nostalgia
• How does the poem reflect on the passage of time?

  It contrasts past freedom with present responsibilities
• What does the phrase "even then I wanted the bold girl" convey?

  A longing for the mother's youthful self
• How does the poem's tone shift throughout?

  From nostalgic to reflective and somber
• What role does context play in understanding "Before You Were Mine"?

  It provides insight into societal expectations of women
• What does the poem suggest about the impact of motherhood on women?

  It often leads to the loss of personal freedom
• How does Duffy's background influence her poetry?

  Her experiences shape her themes on women
• What is the significance of the poem's title in relation to its content?

  It highlights the contrast between past and present
• What does the poem reveal about societal expectations of women in the 1950s?

  Women were expected to prioritize family over personal dreams
• How does the poem's imagery contribute to its overall message?

  It evokes nostalgia while critiquing societal norms
• What does the poem suggest about the relationship between mothers and daughters?

  It explores complexity and longing for the past
• What does the phrase "your ghost" symbolize in the poem?

  Loss of the mother's youthful identity
• How does Duffy's use of personal experience shape the poem?

  It adds authenticity and emotional depth
• What is the effect of the poem's reflective tone?

  It invites readers to consider their own relationships
• What does the poem suggest about the nature of memory?

  It is both nostalgic and bittersweet
• How does the poem address the theme of loss?

  It reflects on lost opportunities and identities
• What role does imagery play in conveying the poem's themes?

  It enhances emotional resonance and depth
• What does the poem reveal about the passage of time?

  It shows how time changes relationships and identities
• How does the poem's setting influence its themes?

  It reflects societal norms of the 1940s and 50s
• What is the significance of the poem's conclusion?

  It emphasizes the enduring impact of the past
• How does Duffy's exploration of her mother's life contribute to the poem's meaning?

  It provides insight into women's experiences
• What does the poem suggest about the relationship between past and present?

  They are interconnected and influence each other
• How does the poem's language reflect its themes?

  It uses contrasting imagery to highlight conflicts
• What does the poem reveal about societal expectations of women?

  They often limit personal aspirations and freedom