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How does the poet explore the theme of motherhood in her poem "…
How does the poet explore the theme of motherhood in her poem "Material"?
Barber explores motherhood through a nostalgic lens, reflecting on her own mother in the context of 1970s England (a time she implicitly praises for valuing sentiment and community more than modern day society does). This reflection allows her to inspect her own parenting more closely, which she criticises and feels guilt about.
Self reflection / growth
'This is your material to do with, daughter, what you will'
An allusion to the fact that her mother's death has become writing material for her. A sweet reminder that out of dark times comes strength and powerful self-reflection.
A painful experience. Has caused her grief and guilt.
The poem is in a form of 9 stanzas, making it look imperfect, uneven and incomplete. Having it grouped in 3s almost reflects a kind of trimester symbolism. Motherhood is a complex state of being and is subject to imperfections.
Nostalgia for the time
'When hanky meant a thing of cloth, not paper tissues bought in packs from late-night garages and shops, but things for waving out of trains and mopping the corners of your grief'
The poet creates a juxtaposition between sentimental attitudes of the 1970s and consumerist attitudes of the early 2000s which favour disposability
Barber immediately creates a connection between hankies and love as she draws the reader to the imagery of people waving their loved ones off at a train station, using 'material' hankerchiefs.
Nostalgia for her family / community
'Hanky queen'
Colloquial term hanky acutely demonstrates the speaker's close relationship with her mother, as she copies her language. 'Queen' is almost a fantastical childlike way to think about one's mother. Reflects the idealisation the speaker takes on in reflection of her mother.
'The naffest christmas gift you'd get'
A repetition of colloquial terms creates a familial tone which emphasises
'A mum's embarrassment of lace embroidered with a V for Viv, spittled and scrubbed against my face'
Recurring colloquialisms give the mother an identity (seeing as she is named). The poet's mother clearly personally embroidered and thus took pride in motherhood.
'Step-together, step-together, step-together, point!'
Auditory imagery used to create a dream-like sequence, emphasising the nostalgic lense through which the writer reflects on her community-centred childhood.
'Greengrocer George with his dodgy foot'