Derek Mahon observes "Precise Observation and Quite Reflection" in his poems. Discuss

mscool

Any notes/help on this question? How would I go about starting this? I have done 6 of his poems
Chinese Restaraunt in Portrush
Grandfather
After the titanic
As it should be
Disused shed in co.wexford
Antartica

Thanks

0mega

Very difficult question, Mahon observes the behaviour and actions of his Grandfather rather percisely but still cannot make heads nor tails of him "nothing escapes him, he escapes us".

For the quiet (?) reflection I'd say that he reflects over the terrible isolation of Ismay after the Titanic (you could also say that Ismay reflects over the disaster, but I wouldn't describe it as "quiet" as he required cocaine as a form of escapism) and he reflects over the noble and dignified act of Oates in Antartica, "is this some self sacrifice of the weakest? No he is just going out and may be some time" - there is no big fuss made.

I didn't do the other poems you studied, sorry.

mscool

Yes "quiet sorry! Ok, thanks for your help, do you know how I would start it?

0mega

mscool wrote: »

Yes "quiet sorry! Ok, thanks for your help, do you know how I would start it?

A general introduction to Derek Mahon, his style (precise observation and quite reflection), brief examples from your poems and what you plan to discuss?

mscool

Thanks a lot!