Context - Genetics

• The poem 'Genetics' was written by Sinead Morrissey
• The poem 'Genetics' could be based on Sinead Morrissey's own life as her parents separated and she has two children of her own
• The poem 'Genetics' also might be informed by the history of Northern Ireland - Morrisey grew up in Belfast during 'The Troubles', a period of violent conflict that began in the late 1960s and lasted until the Good Friday agreement of 1998
• The poem 'Genetics' could be based around 'The Troubles' -The conflict was between (mostly Protestant) unionists who wanted Ireland to remain a part of the UK and (mostly Catholic) nationalists who desired Irish independence
• The poem 'Genetics' intricately weaves themes of Inheritance & Identity through the extended metaphor of Hands, this is a metaphorical canvas illustrating how both parents, despite their separation, continue to coexist within the speaker, as she is an amalgamation of her parents
• The poem 'Genetics' intricately weaves themes of Unity amidst Separation, this connection within the speaker's hands symbolises a reconciliation of sorts, a unity that persists despite physical and relational divides; the hands become a locus where the fragmented parts of the parents' relationship are reunited
• The poem 'Genetics' intricately weaves themes of Physical and Emotional Interconnectedness, the interconnectedness highlights how physical traits (marriage) are imbued with emotional significance, serving as a bridge between the tangible and the intangible aspects of identity