A Minor Role
, About
• This poem is complex in that it challenges the reader to th
of the meaning of roles that we assume in life, what they
mean, whether they are consciously adopted or whether
society imposes them. The metaphor of the stage is used t
reflect on the life of the dying speaker. She is the focus of
attention and those around her watch for signs of weaknes
She feels forced by pressure to present herself as happy o
genuinely feel happy; an act of social pretence. Society giv
her false hope and an admission that life is better than dea
, About
• This poem is complex in that it challenges the reader to th
of the meaning of roles that we assume in life, what they
mean, whether they are consciously adopted or whether
society imposes them. The metaphor of the stage is used t
reflect on the life of the dying speaker. She is the focus of
attention and those around her watch for signs of weaknes
She feels forced by pressure to present herself as happy o
genuinely feel happy; an act of social pretence. Society giv
her false hope and an admission that life is better than dea
