Box RoomBox Room

Liz LocheadLiz Lochead

SummarySummary

This poem is by the Scottish poet Liz This poem is by the Scottish poet Liz Lochhead. It tells the story of a young Lochhead. It tells the story of a young woman (the speaker of the poem) visiting woman (the speaker of the poem) visiting her boyfriend's childhood home to stay for her boyfriend's childhood home to stay for the weekend. The speaker meets the the weekend. The speaker meets the boyfriend's mother, and after a perfunctory boyfriend's mother, and after a perfunctory meeting, is shown to the small bedroom meeting, is shown to the small bedroom (box room) where she will be sleeping. It is (box room) where she will be sleeping. It is the boyfriend's old childhood bedroom. The the boyfriend's old childhood bedroom. The mother makes several barbed remarks mother makes several barbed remarks which attempts to undermine the speaker'. which attempts to undermine the speaker'. It is clear that the mother is very It is clear that the mother is very protective of her son and does not approve protective of her son and does not approve of the speaker as his current girlfriend.of the speaker as his current girlfriend.

What you need to know…What you need to know…

Minor SentencesMinor Sentences: sentences without a verb: sentences without a verb

Word ChoiceWord Choice

Enjambment:Enjambment: Deliberately cutting off a line in Deliberately cutting off a line in the middle of a phrase to emphasise a word at the middle of a phrase to emphasise a word at the beginning or end of a line. the beginning or end of a line.

Parenthesis: Parenthesis: A pair of brackets.A pair of brackets.

Direct Speech Direct Speech

ImageryImagery

Rhyming schemeRhyming scheme

RepetitionRepetition

QuestionsQuestions

PersonificationPersonification

Pun / Word playPun / Word play

SymbolismSymbolism

OxymoronOxymoron

Ambiguous or double meaningsAmbiguous or double meanings

Minor Sentences Minor Sentences

““First the welcoming. Smiles all round. A First the welcoming. Smiles all round. A space for handshakes.”space for handshakes.”

These minor sentences sound awkward These minor sentences sound awkward and forced. This reflects the awkwardness and forced. This reflects the awkwardness as the two women greet each other.as the two women greet each other.

They almost sound like They almost sound like stage directionsstage directions which suggests the two women are simply which suggests the two women are simply acting out the roles they know they should acting out the roles they know they should play, but actually dislike one another. play, but actually dislike one another.

Word ChoiceWord Choice ““Friend” : Friend” :

The capital F suggests that the mother has The capital F suggests that the mother has chosen this word carefully – she sees the chosen this word carefully – she sees the speaker as only a friend, not a speaker as only a friend, not a girlfriendgirlfriend. She . She makes this attitude clear through what she makes this attitude clear through what she says.says.

““pathetic / shrine”pathetic / shrine” A shrine is a holy place of worship, usually for a A shrine is a holy place of worship, usually for a

saint or god. The word suggests the mother saint or god. The word suggests the mother clings to her son as if she worships him. The clings to her son as if she worships him. The speaker’s disgust at this is conveyed by the speaker’s disgust at this is conveyed by the word “pathetic” which is a slamming word “pathetic” which is a slamming condemnation of the mother.condemnation of the mother.

Word ChoiceWord Choice

““self-defence”self-defence” By describing her laugh as self-defence, the By describing her laugh as self-defence, the

speaker shows that she is aware of the conflict speaker shows that she is aware of the conflict between herself and the mother; she is ready to between herself and the mother; she is ready to battle the mother to keep hold of her boyfriend.battle the mother to keep hold of her boyfriend.

““you grin gilt-edged from long discarded you grin gilt-edged from long discarded selves”selves” ““gilt-edged” means the pictures are in frames gilt-edged” means the pictures are in frames

of gold. This hints at how the mother has turned of gold. This hints at how the mother has turned the room into a “shrine” for the son, idolising the room into a “shrine” for the son, idolising him. However, he has changed over time as him. However, he has changed over time as these photos are of “selves” that he has left these photos are of “selves” that he has left behind.behind.

Word ChoiceWord Choice

““closeted so – its dark”closeted so – its dark” Conveys a sense of claustrophobia and Conveys a sense of claustrophobia and

darkness. The room is literally small, darkness. The room is literally small, but it also suggests the speaker feels but it also suggests the speaker feels trapped in her relationship.trapped in her relationship.

EnjambmentEnjambment

““A space / for handshakes”A space / for handshakes” ““Space” is emphasised at the end of the first Space” is emphasised at the end of the first

line, suggesting that although the women are line, suggesting that although the women are shaking hands, there is a ‘distance’ between shaking hands, there is a ‘distance’ between them. This space is physically represented on them. This space is physically represented on the page by the gap between the end of this the page by the gap between the end of this line and the start of the next.line and the start of the next.

““my position / is precarious”my position / is precarious” Placing “position” at the end of the line Placing “position” at the end of the line

imitates on the page how precarious the girl imitates on the page how precarious the girl feels about her situation (in the relationship.) feels about her situation (in the relationship.) She feels like she is ‘on the edge’.She feels like she is ‘on the edge’.

ParenthesisParenthesis

(Oh, with concern for my comfort)(Oh, with concern for my comfort) This is almost like an This is almost like an asideaside – a comment being – a comment being

made to the reader by the speaker. Here, we made to the reader by the speaker. Here, we sense irony – the girlfriend suggests the mother sense irony – the girlfriend suggests the mother doesn’t care at all about her comfort.doesn’t care at all about her comfort.

(But where do I fit into the picture?)(But where do I fit into the picture?) These brackets contain a rhetorical question the These brackets contain a rhetorical question the

speaker is asking of herself. She has been speaker is asking of herself. She has been prompted by the pictures on the wall, but is prompted by the pictures on the wall, but is actually questioning her place in her boyfriend’s actually questioning her place in her boyfriend’s life.life.

Direct SpeechDirect Speech “…“…This room This room was always his – when he comes home was always his – when he comes home It’s here for him. Unless of course’ she said, It’s here for him. Unless of course’ she said, ‘‘He brings a Friend.’ She smiled ‘ I hope the bedHe brings a Friend.’ She smiled ‘ I hope the bedIs soft enough? He’ll make do tonight Is soft enough? He’ll make do tonight In the lounge on a put-u-up. All rightIn the lounge on a put-u-up. All rightFor a night or two. Once or twice beforeFor a night or two. Once or twice beforeHe’s slept there. It’ll all be find I’m sure – ”He’s slept there. It’ll all be find I’m sure – ” The speaker quotes the mothers words directly. The speaker quotes the mothers words directly.

By doing this, she makes the reader consider By doing this, she makes the reader consider the mother’s words carefully. We detect the the mother’s words carefully. We detect the mother’s sarcasm and subtle digs and hints. mother’s sarcasm and subtle digs and hints. (“make do” “a night or two”(“make do” “a night or two” “once or twice “once or twice before”before” etc..)Quoting the mother directly etc..)Quoting the mother directly perhaps also suggests the speaker is mocking perhaps also suggests the speaker is mocking the mother. Her dislike is very clear.the mother. Her dislike is very clear.

Imagery (Metaphor)Imagery (Metaphor)

““her pathetic shrine to your lost boyhood”her pathetic shrine to your lost boyhood” The speaker calls the boxroom a shrine. She is The speaker calls the boxroom a shrine. She is

suggesting that the mother has deliberately kept suggesting that the mother has deliberately kept memories of the boy’s childhood alive, by memories of the boy’s childhood alive, by devoting herself to keeping the room exactly the devoting herself to keeping the room exactly the same as it was.same as it was.

““She must think she can brush off time with dust.”She must think she can brush off time with dust.” Here the speaker suggests that dust represents Here the speaker suggests that dust represents

time and that by dusting the room and keeping it time and that by dusting the room and keeping it clean, the mother is trying to stop the passage of clean, the mother is trying to stop the passage of time – trying to cling to her son’s childhood.time – trying to cling to her son’s childhood.

ImageryImagery

““Your bookshelves are crowded with Your bookshelves are crowded with previous prizes, a selection of plots grown previous prizes, a selection of plots grown thin.”thin.”

Physical books are compared with the Physical books are compared with the boyfriend’s past relationships – boyfriend’s past relationships – relationships which have ended. “Crowded” relationships which have ended. “Crowded” suggests he has had a lot of previous suggests he has had a lot of previous girlfriends. “Grown thin” suggests they girlfriends. “Grown thin” suggests they ended because he became bored with ended because he became bored with them, like someone becoming bored by them, like someone becoming bored by reading the same story over and over again.reading the same story over and over again.

22ndnd verse verse

Explain how the speaker is feeling in this Explain how the speaker is feeling in this section. Does she still feel secure in her section. Does she still feel secure in her relationship? relationship?

What is the change in tone? What is the change in tone? Identify two rhetorical questions. What Identify two rhetorical questions. What

effect do they create? effect do they create? Identify personification. Explain the image. Identify personification. Explain the image. Think about the word “shatters”. What is Think about the word “shatters”. What is

the significance of this word? the significance of this word?

First the welcoming. Smiles all round. A spaceFirst the welcoming. Smiles all round. A space

For handshakes. Then she put me in my place – For handshakes. Then she put me in my place –

(Oh, with concern for my comfort). (Oh, with concern for my comfort).

……………………………‘……………………………‘This roomThis room

Was always his – when he comes home Was always his – when he comes home

It’s here for him. Unless of course,’ she said,It’s here for him. Unless of course,’ she said,

‘‘He brings a Friend.’ She smiled ‘I hope the bedHe brings a Friend.’ She smiled ‘I hope the bed

Is soft enough? He’ll make do tonightIs soft enough? He’ll make do tonight

In the lounge on the put-u-up. All rightIn the lounge on the put-u-up. All right

For a night or two. Once or twice beforeFor a night or two. Once or twice before

He’s slept there. It’ll all be fine I’m sure – He’s slept there. It’ll all be fine I’m sure –

Next door if you want to wash your face.’Next door if you want to wash your face.’

Leaving me ‘peace to unpack’ she goes. Leaving me ‘peace to unpack’ she goes.

……………………………………………….My weekend case.My weekend case

(Lightweight, glossy, made of some synthetic(Lightweight, glossy, made of some synthetic

Miracle) and I are left alone in her patheticMiracle) and I are left alone in her pathetic

Shrine to your lost boyhood. She must Shrine to your lost boyhood. She must

Think she can brush off time with dustThink she can brush off time with dust

From model aeroplanes. I laugh it off in self defence.From model aeroplanes. I laugh it off in self defence.

Who have come for a weekend to state my permanence.Who have come for a weekend to state my permanence.

Peace to unpack – but I found nonePeace to unpack – but I found none

In this spare room which once contained you. (Dun-In this spare room which once contained you. (Dun-

Coloured walls, one small window which used to frameColoured walls, one small window which used to frame

Your old horizons). What can I blameYour old horizons). What can I blame

For my unrest, insomnia? For my unrest, insomnia?

……………………………………………….Persistent fear.Persistent fear

Elbows me, embedded deeply hereElbows me, embedded deeply here

In an outgrown bed (Narrow, but no narrowerIn an outgrown bed (Narrow, but no narrower

Than the single bed we sometimes share).Than the single bed we sometimes share).

On every side you grin gilt edged from long-discarded On every side you grin gilt edged from long-discarded selvesselves

(But where do I fit into the picture?) (But where do I fit into the picture?)

……………………………………………………………………Your bookshelvesYour bookshelves

Are crowded with previous prizes, a selectionAre crowded with previous prizes, a selection

Of plots grown thin. Your egg collectionOf plots grown thin. Your egg collection

Shatters me – that now you have no interestShatters me – that now you have no interest

In. (You just took one from each, you never wrecked a In. (You just took one from each, you never wrecked a nest, nest,

You said). You said).

Invited guest among abandoned objects, my positionInvited guest among abandoned objects, my position

Is precarious, closeted so – it’s dark, your past a Is precarious, closeted so – it’s dark, your past a premonitionpremonition

I can’t close my eyes to, I shiver despiteI can’t close my eyes to, I shiver despite

The electric blanket and the deceptive mildness of the The electric blanket and the deceptive mildness of the night.night.

Thinking about CharacterThinking about Character Task: Task:

Draw a three ringed Venn Diagram. Draw a three ringed Venn Diagram. Label each ring for each character: Label each ring for each character: Speaker, Mother, BoyfriendSpeaker, Mother, Boyfriend

Thinking about CharacterThinking about Character

Task: Task: Write out any parts of the poem which Write out any parts of the poem which

tell you something about the character tell you something about the character in the appropriate ring. Explain in a in the appropriate ring. Explain in a few words what this tells you. few words what this tells you.

Are there any overlaps? Write these Are there any overlaps? Write these into the crossing sections of the into the crossing sections of the diagram. diagram.

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1.Point (what I will show in this paragraph)

2.Evidence (quote from the poem)

3.Explain (explain how this proves my point, unpack any techniques, and give a personal reaction to theme)

4.Link back to question (show how this answers the question)

Writing about CharacterWriting about Character Task: To write a mini essay (3 paragraphs) about Task: To write a mini essay (3 paragraphs) about

each of the 3 characters and their role in the each of the 3 characters and their role in the poem. poem.

S:S: The speaker / mother / boyfriend is….. The speaker / mother / boyfriend is….. Q:Q: We know this because “……..” We know this because “……..” U:U: Demonstrate that you understand the Demonstrate that you understand the

quotation. quotation. A:A: Analyse techniques used in the quotation. Analyse techniques used in the quotation.

Use technical vocabulary to show Use technical vocabulary to show howhow the reader the reader is made aware of this aspect of character. is made aware of this aspect of character. Mention the reader’s response / reaction. Mention the reader’s response / reaction.

Writing about CharacterWriting about Character Task: To write a mini essay (3 paragraphs) Task: To write a mini essay (3 paragraphs)

about each of the 3 characters and their role about each of the 3 characters and their role in the poem. in the poem.

P:P: The speaker / mother / boyfriend is….. The speaker / mother / boyfriend is….. E:E: We know this because “……..” We know this because “……..” E:E: Demonstrate that you understand the Demonstrate that you understand the

quotation. Analyse techniques used in the quotation. Analyse techniques used in the quotation. Use technical vocabulary to show quotation. Use technical vocabulary to show howhow the reader is made aware of this aspect the reader is made aware of this aspect of character. Mention the reader’s response / of character. Mention the reader’s response / reaction.reaction.

LL: Link back to the question. What does it tell : Link back to the question. What does it tell you about their role in the poem?you about their role in the poem?

CharacterCharacter Peer AssessmentPeer Assessment

Is there a clear opening statement (P)?Is there a clear opening statement (P)? Does the quotation link to the statement? Does the quotation link to the statement? Is there a clear analysis, demonstrating Is there a clear analysis, demonstrating

understanding of the quotation? understanding of the quotation? Have they used technical language in their Have they used technical language in their

analysis?analysis? Is there a link to the question?Is there a link to the question?

ThemeTheme PastPast

Motherly loveMotherly loveLoveLoveChildhoodChildhoodLonelinessLonelinessDoubtDoubtSleepSleepJealousyJealousyAmbiguityAmbiguity

Write an explanation, including quotations, about how each of these words fits into the poem.

See if you can add to the list.

ToneTone

Write about a poem which features Write about a poem which features a contrast or variety of different a contrast or variety of different tones.tones.

Show what techniques the writer Show what techniques the writer uses to create these tones and go uses to create these tones and go on to explain how they give you a on to explain how they give you a clearer understanding of the poem’s clearer understanding of the poem’s subject.subject.

Stanza 1 – tone of Stanza 1 – tone of defiance / aggressiveness defiance / aggressiveness / sarcasm/ sarcasmQuote Points for Evaluation

(Oh with concern for my comfort) Sarcasm created by the aside in brackets.

Pathetic Shrine Connotations of ‘pathetic’Connotations of ‘shrine’

She must think she can brush off time with dust from model aeroplanes

Metaphor – time& dustAccusatory tone: repetition of “she”Illustrates the mother’s relationship with the son.

I laugh it off in self-defence. Connotations of “self-defence” suggest a battle between the women.“Laugh” shows speaker’s attitude.

Who have come for a weekend to state my permanence

Emphasis of being last line of stanza 1, reflects how defiant and strong the speaker feels.“Permanence” – demonstrates speaker’s intentions.

Essay Writing: Essay Writing: IntroductionsIntroductions

TextText AuthorAuthor GenreGenre Link to QuestionLink to Question SummarySummary

Analysis: Step OneAnalysis: Step OneIdentify the TechniqueIdentify the Technique

NAME THE TECHNIQUE BEING USEDNAME THE TECHNIQUE BEING USED EXPLAIN WHAT IS BEING DESCRIBEDEXPLAIN WHAT IS BEING DESCRIBED

When talking about ________ Lochhead uses [When talking about ________ Lochhead uses [name techniquename technique]]…………

When describing ____________ Lochhead employs a [When describing ____________ Lochhead employs a [name name techniquetechnique]]

In lines ______ Lochhead uses [In lines ______ Lochhead uses [name techniquename technique] when ] when describing _______________describing _______________

The use of [The use of [name techniquename technique] helps give the reader an ] helps give the reader an impression of ____________impression of ____________

Using [Using [name techniquename technique] in lines ________ helps give the reader ] in lines ________ helps give the reader a picture of _________a picture of _________

The poet describes ____________________ in line ________ using The poet describes ____________________ in line ________ using [name technique][name technique]

Step Two: Explain how Step Two: Explain how the technique worksthe technique works

Word Choice – give connotationsWord Choice – give connotations Imagery (similes & metaphors) – identify the 2 Imagery (similes & metaphors) – identify the 2

things being comparedthings being compared Personification – explain what is being personifiedPersonification – explain what is being personified Enjambment – explain what word is emphasised Enjambment – explain what word is emphasised

and where it isand where it is Parenthesis – explain what words are in Parenthesis – explain what words are in

parenthesis and whyparenthesis and why Ambiguous meaning – what are the two possible Ambiguous meaning – what are the two possible

meanings?meanings?

Step Three: Explain the Step Three: Explain the effecteffect

EXPLAIN WHY THE TECHNIQUE IS USED EXPLAIN WHY THE TECHNIQUE IS USED WHAT DOES IT TELL THE READER ABOUT THE THING BEING WHAT DOES IT TELL THE READER ABOUT THE THING BEING

DESCRIBED?DESCRIBED? REITERATE HOW IT RELATES TO THE QUESTION?REITERATE HOW IT RELATES TO THE QUESTION?

   E.G.E.G.

What does it tell us about the characters in the poem?What does it tell us about the characters in the poem? What does it add to the reader’s understanding of the whole What does it add to the reader’s understanding of the whole

situation?situation? What does it make the reader think about?What does it make the reader think about? What does it tell us about the poet’s message?What does it tell us about the poet’s message? How does it relate to Lochhead’s theme?How does it relate to Lochhead’s theme? How does it make you feel?How does it make you feel?

Useful Evaluative Useful Evaluative Phrases:Phrases: ShowsShows SuggestsSuggests HintsHints IndicatesIndicates DemonstratesDemonstrates ImpliesImplies Gives the impression of/that...Gives the impression of/that... IllustratesIllustrates EvokesEvokes Conjures up the idea of...Conjures up the idea of... Creates a feeling of...Creates a feeling of... Brings to mind...Brings to mind...

Box Room’Box Room’ by Liz Lochhead is a poem which describes the by Liz Lochhead is a poem which describes the encounter between a girl (speaker) and her boyfriend’s mother encounter between a girl (speaker) and her boyfriend’s mother when she visits to stay for the weekend. The girlfriend spends when she visits to stay for the weekend. The girlfriend spends time in the ‘box room’ of the title (the boyfriend’s old bedroom). time in the ‘box room’ of the title (the boyfriend’s old bedroom). The poem describes her encounter with the boyfriend’s mother, The poem describes her encounter with the boyfriend’s mother, as well as her observations when in the room. Through its first-as well as her observations when in the room. Through its first-person account of the girl’s stay, the poem suggests that her person account of the girl’s stay, the poem suggests that her surroundings affect her deeply, undermining the confidence she surroundings affect her deeply, undermining the confidence she had about her relationship and reducing her to doubt. The had about her relationship and reducing her to doubt. The ending suggests that the girl realises her boyfriend is not who ending suggests that the girl realises her boyfriend is not who she thought he was, and that the relationship cannot continue.she thought he was, and that the relationship cannot continue.

There are two clear tones present in the poem. The defiant, There are two clear tones present in the poem. The defiant, assertive tone of the first stanza presents the speaker’s strong assertive tone of the first stanza presents the speaker’s strong attitude when in conflict with the mother. However, there is a attitude when in conflict with the mother. However, there is a shift in the second stanza to a more doubtful, uncertain tone shift in the second stanza to a more doubtful, uncertain tone when the speaker begins to question her relationship. These two when the speaker begins to question her relationship. These two different tones are created through a number of techniques, different tones are created through a number of techniques, including: the use of parenthesis, word choice, metaphor, including: the use of parenthesis, word choice, metaphor, oxymoron, questions and syntax.oxymoron, questions and syntax.

Later in stanza two, the doubtful tone which is now well Later in stanza two, the doubtful tone which is now well established, is furthered by the description of the established, is furthered by the description of the “abandoned objects” in the room. Seemingly innocuous “abandoned objects” in the room. Seemingly innocuous childhood items begin to take on deeper significances for childhood items begin to take on deeper significances for the speaker as she considers her relationship. She is left the speaker as she considers her relationship. She is left feeling like her relationship is hanging in the balance. This feeling like her relationship is hanging in the balance. This is emphasised through her use of enjambment in line 33.is emphasised through her use of enjambment in line 33.

QQ

The phrase The phrase “my position / is “my position / is precarious”precarious” is split between the two is split between the two lines so that the word lines so that the word “position”“position” is is at the end of the line.at the end of the line.

U+A+TU+A+T

Although she is literally talking about her position: being Although she is literally talking about her position: being in the box room, the clever use of the line break conveys in the box room, the clever use of the line break conveys a different idea too. Placing the word a different idea too. Placing the word “position”“position” at the end at the end of the line literally puts it in a ‘precarious’ place on the of the line literally puts it in a ‘precarious’ place on the page – hanging off the end of the line. This reflects what it page – hanging off the end of the line. This reflects what it describes; it mirrors how the girl feels her place in the describes; it mirrors how the girl feels her place in the relationshiprelationship is uncertain and could be about to end. This is uncertain and could be about to end. This adds to the tone of the stanza, emphasising the adds to the tone of the stanza, emphasising the uncertainty and instability the poet clearly feels. Not only uncertainty and instability the poet clearly feels. Not only does her stay in the box room make her feel does her stay in the box room make her feel uncomfortable in the boyfriend’s house, it also makes her uncomfortable in the boyfriend’s house, it also makes her feel uncomfortable in the relationship.feel uncomfortable in the relationship.

ConclusionsConclusions

Once you’ve completed the main Once you’ve completed the main body of your essay, write a body of your essay, write a conclusion summing up your conclusion summing up your response.response.

Recap on the techniquesRecap on the techniques you have you have mentioned mentioned and link backand link back to the to the question once more.question once more.

ConclusionConclusion While this poem appears to be a straightforward description of an While this poem appears to be a straightforward description of an

insignificant experience, it is made clear that the events described insignificant experience, it is made clear that the events described have had a major impact on the speaker. have had a major impact on the speaker.

Overall I feel … … towards the girl / mother because…Overall I feel … … towards the girl / mother because… Through her use of Through her use of [list the techniques you have mentioned][list the techniques you have mentioned]

Lochhead creates a dramatic and unsettling picture of a Lochhead creates a dramatic and unsettling picture of a relationship breaking down. The message of the poem is clearly relationship breaking down. The message of the poem is clearly that someone’s background and past are an important part of their that someone’s background and past are an important part of their character, and that the past can affect the present in many ways. character, and that the past can affect the present in many ways. In the opening stanza the reader sides with the speaker, admiring In the opening stanza the reader sides with the speaker, admiring her strength of character and wit when in conflict with the mother. her strength of character and wit when in conflict with the mother. By the end of the poem, our sympathy has been cemented as we By the end of the poem, our sympathy has been cemented as we fully appreciate the speaker’s vulnerabilities exposed in the fully appreciate the speaker’s vulnerabilities exposed in the equivocatory second stanza. It is largely Lochhead’s skilful use of equivocatory second stanza. It is largely Lochhead’s skilful use of the two contrasting tones which achieve this effect. the two contrasting tones which achieve this effect.