Guiseppe
Title:
Name of his uncle, yet the lack of family name
From the title of the poem highlights a disassociation
Structure:
The lack of specific rhythm or rhyme makes the poem sound more like something
that would be naturally spoken aloud in conversation, therefore helping to create a
more personal connection to the poem
This could also have the effect of creating a confessional tone to the poem, once
again increasing the connection with a reader
Ford also uses caesura to break up lines by pausing, making it seem as if the
narrator is reluctant and worried to continue sharing his story
A very similar effect is also created through enjambment, with the run on lines such
as “in the world // was butchered” showing visual breaks in the story, which could be
interpreted as representing the chaotic and confusing thought processes that lead to
the killing of the ‘mermaid’ woman.
In a similar way, there are also specific changes in line and sentence length in order
to impact the pace of the poem. This mix of pace helps to make the story and
meaning become more confusing to a reader, and also allows for greater
consideration of points that are within their own line or sentence.
Written in free verse where the structure helps layer additional meaning into the
poem in a story-like way Aims to make the poem more realistic which is important to
ensure the reader considers the dark subject matter as something that could happen
and a decision needs to be made which could impact them in the future.
Irregular rhyme scheme builds apprehension and uncertainty surrounding the
morality of the murder that was committed by the uncle