the emigree

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

  Displacement and fond memories of childhood
• What does the narrator reflect on in the poem?

  Her memories of the country she left
• How does the narrator feel about her memories?

  She believes them to be infallible
• What does the narrator acknowledge about her homeland?

  It has tyrants and wars currently
• How does the narrator's perspective change over time?

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

  It is crucial to her sense of self
• What does the narrator compare her city to?

  Her new home and its atmosphere
• How does the narrator feel towards her city?

  She has maternal emotions towards it
• What atmosphere does the narrator perceive in her new city?

  A threatening atmosphere from the citizens
• How does the narrator's old city contrast with her new one?

  Her old city is positive, her new city is hostile
• What is the significance of the title "The Emigrée"?

  It highlights conflicting cultures and identities
• What tone does the temporal deixis create in the poem?

  A childlike tone throughout the poem
• How does the theme of language manifest in the poem?

  The narrator clings to her childhood vocabulary
• What does the phrase "city of walls" imply?

  Connotations of entrapment and segregation
• What does the use of enjambment in the poem signify?

  Creates a sense of chaos and isolation
• What form does the poem predominantly take?

  Free verse with no rhyme or rhythm
• How does the poem's structure reflect the narrator's experience?

  It represents chaos and lack of control
• What does the epistrophe in the poem emphasize?

  The persistent memory of sunlight
• How does the gustatory imagery contribute to the poem?

  It shows the narrator's delight in memories
• What does the juxtaposition of light and darkness signify?

  The contrast between her memories and current fears
• What does the subjunctive case indicate about the narrator's view of her homeland?

  She sees its flaws as hypothetical
• How does the extended metaphor function in the poem?

  It represents a lost childhood and maternal love
• What are the similarities between "The Emigrée" and "Checking Out Me History"?

  • Both explore cultural identity conflicts
  • Emotional significance attached to heritage
  • Importance of language in identity
• What are the differences between the tones in "The Emigrée" and "Checking Out Me History"?

  • "The Emigrée" uses light imagery for idealism
  • "Checking Out Me History" has an angry tone
  • Stanza separation in "Checking Out Me History" shows disconnection