The Farmer's Bride - Charlotte Mew

The Farmer's Bride - Charlotte Mew

1. "I choose"

   • Male authority over women suggests he didn't have a choice about their marriage

2. "When us was wed she turned afraid"

   • She wasn't afraid until after they were married

3. "We chased her" (hunting imagery)

   • Suggests her terror

4. "We caught her"

   • The whole village seems to be involved which adds to the sense of being hunted

5. "last...fast" (rhyming couplet)

   • Emphasises the decisive action of locking her away

6. "Look round like children at her call" (simile)

   • Shows the farm animals trust her and look after her

7. "black earth spread white with rime"

   • Winter is used to suggest the decay to his frustration

8. "but a stair Betwixt us"

   • He is away of her physical closeness, adding to his frustration

9. "her eyes, her hair, her hair! (frantic-sounding repetition)

   • Shows he's breaking down and losing control