This document consists of an analysis of the figures of speech used in the poem, a detailed examination of each stanza, an exploration of the tone, mood, structure, and message conveyed by the poem, along with supporting evidence. Additionally, a one-page summary of the poem is included at the end ...
Contents
Touch by hugh lewin notes.............................................................................................................................................1
Touch by hugh lwein...................................................................................................................................................2
analyzing the figures of speech...................................................................................................................................3
Tone:.......................................................................................................................................................................4
Mood:......................................................................................................................................................................4
Structure:................................................................................................................................................................4
Message:.................................................................................................................................................................4
Stanzas analysys..........................................................................................................................................................6
Stanza 1...................................................................................................................................................................6
Stanza 2...................................................................................................................................................................8
Stanza 3.................................................................................................................................................................10
Stanza 4.................................................................................................................................................................12
Stanza 5.................................................................................................................................................................14
Stanza 6.................................................................................................................................................................16
Analysis of the poem.............................................................................................................................................17
SUMMARY.................................................................................................................................................................18
DON’T FORGET TO HAVE A LOOK AT THE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS DOCUMENT ABOUT “TOUCH BY HUGH
LWEIN”..................................................................................................................................................................18
Page 1 of 18
,TOUCH BY HUGH LWEIN
1. When I get out
I’m going to ask someone
to touch me
very gently please
and slowly,
touch me
I want
to learn again
how life feels. Anaphora What is the effect?
2. I’ve not been touched
for seven years
for seven years
I’ve been untouched Comment on the different meanings of touch that the speaker explores
out of touch
and I’ve learnt
to know now
the meaning of
untouchable.
3. Untouched – not quite
I can count the tings
that have touched me
4. One: fists Synecdoche
At the beginning
fierce mad fists Personification
beating beating Alliteration
till I remember
screaming
Don’t touch me
please don’t touch me.
5. Two: paws
The first four years of paws
every day
patting paws, searching
– arms up, shoes off
legs apart –
prodding paws, systematic
heavy, indifferent
probing away
all privacy.
6. I don’t want fists and paws
I want
to want to be touched Personal pronouns
again
=personal poem
and to touch,
Key words
I want to feel alive
again Figures of speech and
I want to say grammar
when I get out
Here I am
please touch me.
Page 2 of 18
,ANALYZING THE FIGURES OF SPEECH
Line Figure of Example Analysis
Speech
9 Anaphora "I want" The repetition of the phrase "I want" at the beginning of
consecutive lines creates an anaphora, emphasizing the speaker's
strong desire and intensifying the longing for touch.
22 Alliteration (F "fierce mad The repetition of the consonant sounds "f" and "m" in the words
and B) fists" "fierce" and "mad" creates alliteration. This adds emphasis to the
aggressive and violent nature of the fists described, amplifying the
emotional impact of the encounter.
24 Personification "probing paws" The use of the word "paws" to describe the touch exhibits
personification, attributing human-like qualities to the paws. This
personification emphasizes the invasive and dehumanizing nature
of the touch, creating a vivid and unsettling image in the reader's
mind.
22 Synecdoche "fists" The use of the word "fists" represents the larger concept of physical
violence or aggression. It signifies a part (fists) to represent the
whole (violent acts). By focusing on the fists, the speaker
emphasizes the physical and emotional impact of violence,
highlighting the trauma associated with touch in their experience.
33 Alliteration (P) "prodding paws, The repetition of the consonant sound "p" in the words "prodding"
probing away" and "paws," and "probing" and "away" creates alliteration. This
adds a rhythmic quality to the line and reinforces the relentless and
invasive nature of the touch, further emphasizing the discomfort
and violation experienced by the speaker.
These figures of speech enhance the imagery and impact of the poem, adding depth and emotional resonance to
the speaker's experiences and desires.
Page 3 of 18
, TONE:
The tone of the poem is introspective, vulnerable, and longing.
The speaker's words convey a sense of emotional depth and rawness as they reflect on their
experience of touch and its absence.
There is a mixture of sadness, frustration, and a yearning for connection throughout the poem.
Evidence :
The gentle and pleading tone is evident in lines such as "touch me very gently please and
slowly" and "please touch me." These phrases convey the speaker's vulnerability and desire for
tender connection.
The tone becomes more desperate and pained in lines like "beating, beating till I remember
screaming" and "Don't touch me, please don't touch me." These lines reveal the traumatic
experiences associated with touch, reflecting the speaker's fear and anguish.
MOOD:
The mood of the poem is somber and melancholic.
The speaker's isolation and the traumatic experiences they have endured create an overall
atmosphere of sadness and longing.
However, there is also a glimmer of hope and resilience as the speaker expresses a desire to
reconnect with the world through touch.
Evidence :
The somber mood is established through lines such as "I've not been touched for seven years"
and "out of touch." These phrases convey a sense of isolation and emotional deprivation.
The longing and yearning for touch create a melancholic mood throughout the poem. For
example, the repetition of "I want" in the last stanza underscores the speaker's desire to feel
alive again and be connected to others.
STRUCTURE:
The poem consists of six stanzas, each with varying lengths.
The irregular structure mirrors the fragmented and disjointed emotions conveyed in the poem.
The repetition of certain phrases, such as "for seven years" and "I want," creates a rhythmic
quality that adds emphasis to the speaker's longing and the central themes of touch and its
absence.
Evidence : The irregular structure of the poem with varying stanza lengths reflects the
fragmented emotions and disjointed experiences of the speaker. It adds to the overall sense of
vulnerability and rawness in the poem.
The repetition of certain phrases, such as "for seven years" and "I want," creates a rhythmic
quality that emphasizes the speaker's longing and emphasizes the central themes of touch and
its absence.
MESSAGE:
The poem explores the profound impact of touch on human experience and the emotional
consequences of its absence.
It delves into the speaker's journey from violence and invasion of personal space to a yearning
for genuine connection and reawakening to life.
The poem speaks to the power of touch in shaping our sense of self, our relationships with
others, and our overall well-being.
It also emphasizes the importance of respectful and consensual touch, highlighting the damaging
effects of violence and violation.
Page 4 of 18
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