Introduction to "In Mrs Tilscher's Class"

• "In Mrs Tilscher's Class" is a poem by Carol Ann Duffy that nostalgically recalls the joy of childhood learning and the transition in emotions as children grow older.
• Duffy utilises her firsthand experiences to depict a vividly authentic and personal journey from childhood innocence to the dawning of adolescence.

Themes

• Childhood and Growing Up: The poem conveys the innocence, creativity and curiosity of childhood while presenting the complex transition to adolescence.
• Education: The poem explores the impact of education on children's imagination and understanding of the world.
• Coming of Age: The poem traces the discovery of adult issues, notably the awareness of sexuality, marking the end of innocent childhood.

Key Techniques and Analysis

• Duffy uses imagery to bring to life the details of the classroom and childhood experiences.
  • "chalky pyramids" and "laugh of a bell" create multi-sensory impressions, enhancing the description of a classroom scene.
• The use of emotive language mirrors the progression from childhood to adolescence.
  • Phrases such as "sugar paper" and "gold star" evoke positive emotions associated with childhood, while "rough boy" and "slapping her thighs" hint at the discomforting realities of growing up.
• Simile and metaphors are used to express abstract ideas in more concrete terms, emphasising the transformation of childhood.
  • E.g. "you ran through the gates, impatient to be grown, as if you saw the classroom shrink" - The classroom "shrinking" metaphorically signifies the loss of childhood.
• The forceful enjambment in the final stanza ("the classroom glowed like a sweet shop...") evokes the desire to grow up faster with the school bell acting as an exciting interruption to the learning.

Structure and Form

• The poem comprises two stanzas: the first, longer stanza represents a lengthy childhood; the second, shorter stanza suggests a swift transition to adolescence.
• The free verse form allows for a natural, free-flowing depiction of childhood experiences and perception.
• The shift in tone from the lively first three quarters to the somewhat darker final quarter mirrors the transition from childhood to adolescence.

Conclusion

• In "In Mrs Tilscher's Class", Duffy effectively captures the joys and complexities of growing up. The detailed imagery, emotive language, structured form all contribute to a vivid depiction of a phase of life many relate to.