Term
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Definition
| Pathetic fallacy creates a threatening, ominous atmosphere. |
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Term
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Definition
| Female sexuality was repressed in Victorian times, but Porphyria is openly flaunting hers. Women who behaved like this were often labelled 'fallen women'. The use of the word "fall" draws attention to how Porphyria's behaviour would have been viewed as sinful. |
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Term
| "I looked up at her eyes" |
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Definition
| This is the first time in the poem that the speaker takes action and signals a shift in the balance of passivity and activity. |
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Term
| "God has not said a word!" |
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Definition
| He may be justifying his actions by disproving the existance of God or he may be seeking condonement for the murder - God has said nothing because he is satisfied with the narrators actions. |
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Term
| "Porphyria worshipped me" |
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Definition
| he wants ti be loved by her and have power over her. |
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