Carol Ann Duffy’s ‘Delilah is an ambiguous poem about the intimate relationship between Delilah and Samson. There have been many interpretations of the biblical story and Delilah’s intentions have been speculated on. Duffy challenges the one dimensional and negative femme fatale character which is often associated with Delilah. In Duffy’s somewhat satirical interpretation, Delilah cuts Samson’s hair to free him from the burden to inure, allowing him to feel vulnerable and loved. Duffy seems to make a commentary about the ideas of masculinity and liberation. In our modern context, toxic/hyper-masculinity is seen as a byproduct of the patriarchy, which forced men to hide their emotions in an attempt to be perceived as strong.

This English Mock Exam was a very useful opportunity for me. The timed conditions and exam setting helped me better visualise and understand myself in terms of written assessments. As our IB English grades come from only 2 components (Oral and Paper1), this paper was a good practice. I have a lot of takeaways and actually recognise what mistakes I have made and what I can improve on moving forward. 

My aim is definitely to improve on the insightfulness of my writing and aiming for the 5/5 in the different criteria. I can do that by focusing on the context more and explaining my evidence with better terminology, overall more detail. I do think that I should try writing more essays under a timed condition because I think it will be challenging to go into depth and show strong insightful evaluation if I write slowly, (I guess just try to write faster without having bad handwriting). I can see the mistakes which I have made in this assessment and because understand it I think the idea of explaining in more depth is something I will remember to do. 

Continue reading “Grade 11 April Paper 1: Notes” →

Carol Ann Duffy’s poem “Thetis” is based on Greek mythology, in which she is the mother of Achilles. In Duffy’s retelling, Thetis is a woman who keeps changing her form to escape from a mysterious capturer. She starts off as a Song Bird, then becomes an albatross, snake, lion, a myriad of sea creatures (Mermaid, fish, dolphin, whale), small mammals (racoon, skunk, stoat, weasel, ferret, bat, mink, rat), and then elemental (wind, gas, hot air, clouds, hurricane), until she finally turns into a mother. In the literal sense she “transforms” in order to escape the changing form of the stalker who follows her becoming a fist, hunter with a crossbow, snake charmer, hunter with a gun, fisherman, taxidermist, fighter plane, and a groom. In the metaphorical sense, it could be interpreted as Thetis trying to find her “true form, which ends up being motherhood as that is her final form. The ending of the poem is very ambiguous as Thetis’ sentiment toward the child isn’t very detailed, it can either be interpreted as a happy ending or her unwanted child resulting in possible rape. I feel Duffy was trying to explore the modern context of how women and pursued and treated. Thetis is a symbol of women all over the world who are harassed, abused, and eventually forced into a relationship (motherhood).

1. Adichie talked about the concept of “western ideals” and how feminism wasn’t considered African (or Nigerian), even though in its essence feminism is about equality, irrespective of ethnicity. I often see that in India, when talking to people there, bringing up topics like these is sometimes met with the response is “Oh your international school beliefs” or “so western”. I find it interesting because the conversation of gender equality is had all over the world, but the pace is what makes the difference. Traditionally countries (especially ones that have been colonised) seem to have this view that western cultures are very progressive, and that in our own home countries it would not be attainable to be as progressive. She also talked about how feminism was also used as a pejorative term. In middle school (and sometimes still) there was a negative insinuation that a feminist was loud, independent, rude, and angry, it was also often switched with the term feminazi. Noticeably however being called a “feminist” was often told to the young girls who spoke their minds, or weren’t trying to get male attention. Somehow a word that was meant to symbolise the equality of the sexes was used to press women. This was a cultural experience for women all around the world. Adichie talked about how culture is everchanging and affected by our actions, that we make culture and not the other way around. I think that was very powerful as often the phrase “But it’s in our culture” is thrown around as an excuse.

2. I agree with Adichie in that I think the definition of feminism is a man or women who advocate for gender equality and empower women. I think Men can also be feminist. I believe I am a feminist however when it is used with a negative tone, part of me wants to reject that label, as the definition in those cases is not about quality, rather about putting down one gender, or it insinuates hatred towards men.

3.I  believe Adichie that “culture does not make people, people make culture” is only partly true, as we are products of the culture we are brought up in. The culture we grow up in affect how we are as people, however, I think that people can make culture too. As our beliefs evolve and many people in society change their views there is a culture shift in the way we view gender stereotypes. It is evident that culture changes and in the last 100 years many strides have been talked to tackle gender inequality. The deep-rooted patriarchy however does not disassemble over-night and is a gradual product of people changing their views and changing the culture in which kids are brought up in. I believe that once people grow up it is likely to see as much change in their generation, however, if people are brought up, without being told that they should adhere to certain strict gender expectations and that respect is something that should be given to everyone then the culture of sexism can definitely change.