In Mrs Tilcher’s Class

1. In Mrs Tilcher’s Class Carol Ann Duffy

2. Narrative Voice • 2nd Person narrative – “you”. Could be the poet addressing herself or engaging the reader in a topic they can already, most likely, relate to. • The first stanza is full of innocence, hope and optimism. • The classroom presents new and exciting possibilities – exploration of the imagination.

3. Stanza One • Possibilities – exploring far off, exotic locations with the imagination. • Romanticised vision, rose-tinted view of school and the fun to be had. • The structure of the day, the pupils are happy and well cared for: “a skittle of milk,”, “the laugh of a bell” (transferred epithet). • “rubbed into dust”, experiences and mistakes can be rubbed out, erased easily. • Carefree time.

4. Stanza 2 • Short sentences, lists of the descriptions of the room, possibilities. • A positive place to be, more fun than home? Less pressures? Less stress? • Imagery – “glowed like a sweetshop”, appealing to childlike mentalities – exciting, pretty, a treat. • “Brady and Hindley”, neatly slotted in – a real sinister undertone which is glossed over, suggests what? A lack of awareness from the PoV of the children? A cover up/fear from the adults? They wanted to forget it? • Negative suggestion, sandwiched between positive image of the classroom. • “Mrs Tilcher loved you” – feeling of importance, tenderness, being wanted, feeling special. • Positive praise and recognition “gold star”.

5. Stanza 3 • A change in tone as the pupils mature, there is a more sinister, darker undertone. • As the pupils grow up, they become naughtier – “frogs freed by a dunce”, less thoughtful towards others. • “A rough boy” – first indication of any unsavoury characters within the school domain – the reality of life? • Sex/reproduction is addressed and is met with disgust. • A change of mood, more negative as the narrator has to address more adult themes such as where she came from. • “You kicked him” – aggression, violence, retaliation. “but stared at your parents, appalled” – notion of disgust, a lack of understanding at this hybrid stage of adolescence. • Relevance of the “Easter” term? Spring is the time of rebirth, should be positive.

6. Stanza 4 • The change of seasons – summer. Hot, unpredictable. The peak of the year? • “the air tasted of electricity” – idea of danger and excitement? • The word choice and use of language is more complex and mature now that adolescence is being reached. • Asking Mrs Tilcher about the facts of life presents a new, uncomfortable dynamic to the relationship which creates a barrier. Perhaps she is not happy or suited to dealing with these types of questions – perhaps she feels like this is not her responsibility? • The tempestuous nature of the weather suggests change, friction, a more negative – less than perfect – view of the world. • A marked transition between childhood and adolescence; a marked change between innocence and maturity/loss of innocence/ a new understanding of the world which is not always pleasant.