Ghazal

Ghazal

Structure
1. 10 couplets which makes up the 10 stanzas of the poem
  1. Reflects on relationship between the couple
  2. 7/10 of the couplets start with 'if' as there is a wishful tone
  3. Each stanza is called a sher
2. The fact that each stanza is separated gives us a whole range of different conceptions, ideas and images in quick succession makes the poem seem quite playful but also very intense as Khalvati expresses a lot of love in a few lines.
3. The enjambment on the second sher 'hang....on' mirrors how she is waiting for the cue on the next line.
Form
1. A ghazal is also the name for the form of the poem which orginates from the Middle East..
2. This form is used to express beauty and the pains of love.
3. The final word in each couplet are the same ("me")
4. The last but one words in each stanza also rhyme with each other.
5. The coplets aren't supposed to be connective as a narrative.
6. Ghazals traditionally feature the poets name in the last stanza , often through a play on words - Twice the me is 'Mimi'
Language
1. Natural
  1. By using natural imagery it makes the poem seem timeless suggest her love is permanent and profound. .
  2. It also suggests her love is a natural thing and she can't help but feel how she does. i
2. Being Loved
  1. She's asking her lover to be the object of his love , despite the fact she's the one who's chasing him with this poem. The language of the poem like 'iron fist' makes it clear her love isn't about sweetness. Some of the images the poem reflect carry hints of aggression or conflict.
Feelings and Attitudes
1. Intense Love
  1. Her love is almost obsessive.
2. Pleasure
  1. The narrator seems to enjoy being in love and the language of love.. She almost loves the idea of being ie n lovmore then the person she's in a relationship with.
3. Playfulness
  1. The repeated rhymes and the variety of images makes the poem seem playful and joyous.
Quotes
1. "Weave a spell and subdue me"
  1. Magical aspect of love
  2. Want him to control her, put her into a trance , do what he wants with her
2. "The serpent's tail"
  1. A serpent is a dangerous animal , this natural imagery is she uses isn't gentle or tame. She's suggesting she could poison her lover if she wanted to
  2. She need's some one to control her , her 'charmer' lover.
3. "If , when it ends, we are just good friends"
  1. "This is quite a different idea from one you find in most traditional love poetry as MOST poems don't contemplate a break up OR promise if they do break up then they will bitterly hate each other"
4. "if i rise in the east as you die in the west"
  1. Like the sun and moon setting and rising at the same time
Comparisons
1. Natural
  1. Nettles
    1. "Nettles"
  2. Hour
    1. "Flowers"...."sky"...."grass"
  3. The Farmer's Bride
    1. "Birds and rabbits"
2. Physical/Sexual Desire
  1. Hour
    1. "We kiss"
  2. In Paris With You
    1. "Doing this and that to what and whom
Mimi Khalvati
1. Born in Tehran i 1944
2. Founded 'The Poetry School'

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	Created by cd006274 about 9 years ago