before you were mine

• What does the poem "Before You Were Mine" explore?

  Admiration for the mother's youthful past
• How does the speaker feel about her mother's identity after having her?

  She feels it changed significantly
• What does the possessive language in the poem suggest?

  It indicates a sense of ownership and connection
• What effect does the direct address "your poika deidress" have in the poem?

  It creates a conversational tone
• What does the imagery of "Your ghost latters towards me" suggest?

  The mother's younger self is just a memory
• How does the reference to Marilyn Monroe affect the poem's meaning?

  It evokes glamour and hints at tragedy
• What does the free verse structure of the poem reflect?

  The natural flow of memories and conversation
• How do the quatrains contrast with the free-flowing memories?

  They show the speaker's attempt to organize the past
• What are the main themes of "Before You Were Mine"?

  • Nostalgia
  • Loss
  • Admiration
  • Guilt
• What message does the poem convey about motherhood?

  It challenges traditional ideas of motherhood
• How does the poem create a sense of nostalgia and regret?

  By reflecting on the mother's lost youth
• How does "Before You Were Mine" link to "Eden Rock" and "Follower"?

  • "Eden Rock": Explores parent-child relationships with idealized memories
  • "Follower": Shows a child's admiration for their parent
  • "Mother, My Distance": Focuses on growing independence
• What is the focus of "Mother, My Distance" compared to "Before You Were Mine"?

  Growing independence versus reflecting on the past