letters from yorkshire

• Relationship between Dooley and her companion

  Deep, almost spiritual connection based on mutual appreciation of nature and beauty in the world
• Relationship


  • Dooley's companion acts as a muse for her writing
  • Their "souls" connect via the medium of the written word
• Free verse form


  Mimics qualities of the relationship - not restrained or restricted by set rules for written communication
• Poem structure


  • 5 equal stanzas provide a sense of security and stability
  • Frequent enjambment flowing between stanzas mimics free flow of words between the pair
• Change from third person pronoun to "You"


  Shifts the narrative, forces the reader to simply observe the intimate relationship
• Singular pronouns become "our souls"


  Emphasises the deeply spiritual connection between Dooley and her companion
• Poem structure


  • Begins by highlighting constancy of relationship over time ("In February")
  • Ends by emphasising ability to overcome distance ("icy miles")
• Narrator views companion with great tenderness
• Companion's connection with nature

  • Described through efficient planting action, repetition of 'g' and plosive 'p' sounds
  • Affinity with nature conveyed through "first lapwings return"
• Lapwings returning


  Reminds companion to write to Dooley, strengthening their relationship
• Companion's quick response to write

  Conveyed through enjambment and internal rhyme "he" and "me"
• "His knuckles singing"


  Highlights the pain he endures during manual labour, but Dooley romanticises his actions
• Dooley's admiration for companion's stoicism


  Conveyed through imagery of "the cold", "breaking ice" and "snow", softened by "the seasons/turning"
• Dooley's work vs companion's work

  • Dooley's work is "a heartful of headlines" compared to companion's natural "digging" and "planting"
  • Companion's "other world" has intrinsic value, while Dooley's is "a blank screen"
• Companion's humble nature


  He "wouldn't say so" but Dooley uses his actions as a catalyst for her poetry
• Companion provides different perspective on life


  Helps Dooley maintain connection to natural world, away from "headlines", "screen" and "news"
• Physical distance in relationship


  Overcome by their ability to "tap out messages" and stay connected spiritually
• Relationship doesn't need to be physically close to be meaningful