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Kaleidoscope

I.7.
Poem

Text
Carol Ann Duffy

Carol Ann Duffy – A Brief Intro

Carol Ann Duffy is a renowned Scottish poet and playwright. She is known for her
distinctive voice. Her poems explore themes such as love, identity, and social issues. She
served as the Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 2009 to 2019, becoming the first
woman to hold the position.

Synopsis
“Text” by Carol Ann Duffy is a poem that explores the dynamics of modern
communication through text messages. The speaker reflects on the intimacy and distance
conveyed in abbreviated messages like “C u l8r” and “1 <3 u.” While these texts suggest
closeness, they also hint at a longing for deeper connection. The fragmented structure of the
poem mirrors the disjointed nature of digital communication. It also highlights its transient
and sometimes ambiguous quality. Overall, the poem explores the tension between
convenience and emotional depth in contemporary modes of interaction.

Short Answers

1. "I tend the mobile now like an injured bird" — identify the figure of speech.
The figure of speech in the line is a simile. It compares the act of caring for the
mobile phone to tending to an injured bird. It suggests a delicate and nurturing attitude
towards technology.

2. Why does the speaker tend the phone like an injured bird?
The speaker tends the phone like an injured bird to convey a sense of fragility and
care towards the communication device. This comparison highlights the speaker's emotional
attachment to the phone and the tenderness with which he handles it.

3. What do the letters “xx” mean in a text message?

The letters "xx" represent kisses, a common symbol of affection or friendship in text
messaging. They convey warmth and closeness between the sender and the recipient.

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Paragraph Questions
1. What does the poem suggest about the authenticity and depth of relationships formed
through text messages?
In Carol Ann Duffy's poem, “Text,” the speaker reflects on the intimacy and distance
of relationships mediated through text messages. While texts offer immediate connection, the
speaker questions their authenticity compared to face-to-face interaction. The poem suggests
that although texts can convey emotions like love ("xx"), they lack the depth and nuances of
real conversation. Despite this, the speaker cherishes the digital communication, tenderly
caring for her phone like an injured bird. It suggests the significance of these relationships in
modern life, though with a hint of melancholy about their limitations.

2. How does the poem explore the theme of communication in the digital age?
The poem, "Text" by Carol Ann Duffy, explores communication in the digital era,
portraying both its convenience and its shortcomings. It captures the immediacy of texting
while questioning its depth and authenticity compared to traditional forms of interaction.
Through the speaker's tender care for their phone, comparing it to an injured bird, the poem
suggests a profound emotional connection to digital communication tools. However, it also
hints at the fragility and limitations of these connections. It also highlights the complexities
and ambiguities of human interaction in the digital age.

3. What emotions or feelings are conveyed through the abbreviated and disconnected
language used in the text messages?
In Carol Ann Duffy's poem, “Text”, the abbreviated and disconnected language used
in the text messages conveys a mix of emotions. While the brevity of messages like "C u l8r"
and "I <3 u" suggests informality and casualness, they also hint at intimacy and affection.
However, the fragmented nature of these messages also evokes a sense of distance and
isolation. It also reflects the limitations of digital communication in fully expressing complex
emotions. Overall, the abbreviated language in the text messages conveys a blend of
familiarity, affection, and a longing for deeper connection in the digital realm.

Essays
1. Comment on the language and structure of the poem.

In Carol Ann Duffy's poem, “Text”, the language and structure serve to illuminate the
complexities of modern communication.
The poem is composed of a series of fragmented lines, mimicking the disjointed
nature of text messages. It reflects the brevity and immediacy of digital communication. The
language used is colloquial and abbreviated. It features shortened phrases like "C u 18r" and
"I <3 u," which are characteristic of text speak.
This informal language reflects the casual intimacy often found in text messages. It
suggests a sense of closeness between the speaker and the recipient. However, the poem also
hints at a deeper longing for connection beneath the surface. The speaker's comparison of

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tending to their mobile phone like an injured bird evokes a sense of care and tenderness. It
hints at the emotional attachment we can develop to our devices in the digital age.
The structure of the poem is also significant, with each line standing alone and
disconnected from the others, much like individual text messages. This fragmentation
emphasizes the transient nature of digital communication. It also suggests the potential for
misunderstandings and misinterpretations that can arise from abbreviated messages.
Overall, through its language and structure, the poem, “Text” explores the
complexities of modern communication. It captures both the intimacy and distance inherent
in digital interactions. It highlights the ways in which technology shapes our relationships.
The poem also portrays the challenges of conveying emotions through abbreviated messages.

2. Discuss how the title of the poem interacts with the poem's content. Is the title
appropriate or ironic? Why?

The title of Carol Ann Duffy's poem, “Text”, interacts with the poem's content in a nuanced
way. It offers both a straightforward descriptor and a deeper layer of meaning.
On the surface, the title simply refers to the act of sending text messages, aligning
with the poem's exploration of modern communication. However, the title also carries a
deeper significance when considered in relation to the poem's themes.
While text messages serve as the primary mode of communication in the digital age,
the word "text" itself has broader connotations. It can refer not only to written messages but
also to literary or poetic works. In this sense, the title suggests that the poem itself is a form
of text, blurring the boundaries between traditional and digital forms of communication.
The appropriateness of the title can be seen as both straightforward and ironic. On one
hand, it accurately reflects the subject matter of the poem, that is, the poem revolves around
text messages and their role in modern relationships. However, the title also carries an ironic
undertone, as it highlights the limitations of digital communication. While text messages
offer a convenient way to stay connected, they often lack the depth and nuance of face-to-
face interaction.
Furthermore, the title's simplicity contrasts with the complexity of the poem's themes.
It underscores the gap between the brevity of text messages and the deeper emotions they
attempt to convey. Overall, the title “Text” is both appropriate and ironic.

Prepared by:
Prof. MURUKAN BABU C.R.
(formerly) Associate Professor of English
Panampilly Memorial Govt. College
Chalakudy

email: mbabucr@gmail.com

https://www.youtube.com/@MurukanBabu