1. Sound effects help to create atmosphere – alliteration – repeated ‘d’ sound
‘Kinsale’
Contrast between
past and present is depicted in the imagery Mahon uses to describe Kinsale
End rhyme used throughout contributes to the sense of harmony that the poem celebrates

2. ‘The kind of rain we knew
Rich connotations in this phrase – suggestion Kinsale is ‘through with history’- suffering and lament over
‘browsing on spire and bogland.’
Alliteration – sound effects create impact
Impact of hostory on church and countryside is extremely apparent
‘deep-delving, dark, deliberate you would say’
Heavy ‘d’ sounds in the adjectives suggest death and gloom, the burden of remembered history

3. Musical effect (sibilance) captures the upbeat atmosphere
‘but today our sky-blue slates are streaming in the sun’
Images of darkness and sorrow are followed by images of light and movement. Celebratory and carefree. Vividly, sensuous image
Musical effect (sibilance) captures the upbeat atmosphere
‘sun’/’tinkling’/‘shining
Symbols
Light is symbolic of the hope that has come to pass. Captures the new optimistic atmosphere

4. ‘Our yachts tinkling and dancing in the bay like race-horses’
Simile
‘Our yachts tinkling and dancing in the bay like race-horses’
Sensuous, vivid imagery to paint an attractive picture of the movement of the yachts on the sea. Light movement conveyed through verbs. Pristine condition

5. ‘a future forbidden to no-one’
Symbol of light
‘We contemplate at last shining windows’
Contrast with the past couldn’t be clearer. Look to a future of happiness and success
‘a future forbidden to no-one’
Offering a future free form the shackles of the past, the burden of history?

6. Perspective in the poem - irony
‘Spire’
&
‘Bogland’
‘race-horses’ &
‘yachts’
Suggests the desire of the ‘new’ Irish people to leave aside the old ways of life - is the final comment ironic since access to yachts and race-horses requires money??????
Makes reader think!!!
Offering a future free form the shackles of the past, the burden of history?