The Emigrée

• What is the main theme of the poem "The Emigrée" by Carol Rumens?

  The poem is about someone who had to leave their country as a child and reflects on their memories while lamenting discrimination in their new country.

  
• How does the narrator feel about their memories of their homeland?

  The narrator believes their memories to be infallible and looks back fondly on them.
• What does the narrator acknowledge about the current state of their homeland?

  The narrator acknowledges that there are tyrants and wars throughout the land.
• What perspective does the narrator present despite acknowledging the sad truth about their homeland?

  The narrator presents a positive perspective as time goes on.
• What role does language play in the narrator's identity?

  The narrator reveals that their language is important in terms of who they are.
• What does the narrator express about their ability to return to their homeland?

  The narrator expresses that they cannot return to their homeland.
• How does the narrator describe their feelings towards their city?

  The narrator presents maternal emotions towards their city.
• What contrasting feelings does the narrator experience between their old city and their new home?

  The narrator experiences a threatening atmosphere from the citizens of their new home, contrasting with the positivity of their old city.

  
• What is the significance of the temporal deixis in the poem?


  The use of temporal deixis creates a childlike tone to the poem.
• How does the theme of language manifest in the poem?

  The theme of language shows how the narrator has not moved on from their childhood.
• What does the phrase "the worst news I receive of it cannot break my original view" imply about the narrator's perspective?

  This implies that the narrator's positive memories are resilient despite negative news about their homeland.

  
• What does the imagery of "sunlight" represent in the poem?

  The imagery of "sunlight" represents the narrator's positive memories and feelings towards their homeland.
• What literary device is used in the phrase "the city of walls"?

  This phrase uses metaphor to convey feelings of entrapment and segregation.
• How does the structure of the poem contribute to its themes?

  The poem's free verse structure represents chaos and lack of control, juxtaposed with positive imagery.
• What does the use of epistrophe in the poem signify?

  The use of epistrophe signifies the narrator's enduring love for her country despite the pain associated with it.
• How does the narrator's use of the subjunctive case affect the portrayal of her homeland?

  The subjunctive case shows that the negative attributes of her homeland seem hypothetical to her.

  
• What does the extended metaphor in the poem represent?

  The extended metaphor represents a lost childhood and the narrator's maternal feelings towards her former city.
• What are the similarities between "The Emigrée" and "Checking Out Me History"?

  Similarities:

  • Both poems explore the conflict between cultural identities.
  • Emotional significance is attached to cultural identity in both works.
  • Language plays a crucial role in expressing the narrator's connection to their heritage.

  
• What are the differences between the themes presented in "The Emigrée" and "Checking Out Me History"?

  Differences:

  • "Checking Out Me History" has an angry tone and demonizes childhood.
  • "The Emigrée" uses light imagery to present an idealized childhood.

  
• Who is the author of the poem "The Emigrée"?

  Carol Rumens
• In what year was "The Emigrée" published?

  The poem was published in 1993.
• What does the title "The Emigrée" suggest about the poem's content?

  The title suggests themes of displacement and the experience of leaving one's homeland.