My Polish Teacher’s Tie

Metaphors “This bird flew down the main shaft and got lost in the tunnels underground, then sang until it died. Everyone could hear it but no one could find it.” The bird represents Carla trying to find her heritage and her identity which she has lost. The underground tunnels represent her feelings of being lost and trapped, trying to find her old self.

First Person Viewpoint “No that wouldn’t work (…) I couldn’t decide if it was because he was hurt.” Shows reader internal thought process, highlighting her negativity and self deprecation. It allows the reader to have a heightened connection with her as we know her raw feelings.

Colloquial Language “I dish out tea and buns to the teachers twice a day, and I shovel chips onto the kids trays at dinner-time” This shows her indifferent attitude towards her job showing that she is unenthusiastic. Her job is mundane and shows that she wants to elevate her status and widen her opportunities.

Imagery “The head vanished into a knot of teachers” The use of this metaphor suggests there is a tight bond between the teachers which Carla is not a part of, which makes Carla feel excluded. The head is at the centre of this, highlighting the school’s discrimination and hierarchy.

Short Sentences “Surprise. Uncertainty. (…) Pleasure.” Rule of three These impactful sentences give the reader an insight into the workings of Carla’s mind as she deciphers Stefan's reaction to her true identity. Suggests Carla is insecure and thinks so highly of him that she truly cares what he thinks.

Contrast “And his ties! You’ve never seen anything like them.” (Valerie Kenwood) “It was a terribly hopeful tie.” (Carla) The author contrasts the characters of Carla and Valerie to highlight the prejudicial attitude of the teaching staff at the school. Carla is more accepting and can see past his appearance. She appreciates his efforts. Valerie judges his efforts to look smart as ‘odd’ as she doesn’t understand their culture, this highlights her close mindedness and snobbery.

Irony “Very keen on fairness, we are, here.” This sarcastic comment reflects the theme of prejudice and discrimination in the school which is ironic as schools teach and promote equality however they are practising the opposite.

Negative Language “No. That wouldn’t work. […] I’d never had letters like that before and I was never going to again, not after Steve knew who I really was.” The author uses negative language to show the reader her internal thought process and demonstrate how self-deprecating she is. She doesn’t feel worthy of Stefan's attention This is extended as she only begins to say positive things when she finally meets him and realises she did not need to worry.

Symbolism “I lifted the counter-flap, tucked my hair under the cap.” “I lifted the counter-flap and ducked past her.” The author uses the symbolism of the counter-flap to represent the segregation between lower paid staff and the teachers at the school. This is also used to show a change in attitude of Carla at the end of the story when she has confidence to “duck past”, ignore and break down that barrier.