Characterised by word play
and a use of traditional
forms of poetry such as
ballads, sonnets and lyrics
(words set to music).
Subject Matter
Writer's relationship has
just ended and is not in
Paris with someone else
"I'm on the rebound"
Long term relationship has
ended and the writer is
enjoying a less serious meet
up
Doesn't want to talk about
the relationship that has
ended, just wants to enjoy
the moment and not visit
places in Paris
Structure
Four stanza's with 5-6
lines, longer stanza in the
middle with 9 lines -
acting as a chorus (mood changes)
First half of the poem,
lead up to the current
situation
Second half of the poem,
about enjoying the
present
"I'm in Paris with you" repeated
reflects writers insistent
concentration on the present
The contrasting rhyme of
"Elysees" and "sleazy" gives a
comic effect.
Language
Emphatic negative "don't talk to me love" speaker has
"had an earful" and wants to stop thinking about love.
Not a negative poem but one that
celebrates the intimacy of love.
Only hear one persons side of the dialogue
"Yes, I'm angry" and "am I embarrassing you?" -
as if we are eavesdropping.
Informal, honest poem.Phrases such as "had an
earful", "downed a drink or two", "say sod off to
sodding Notre Dame" and "Doing this and that"
make the poem down-to-earth.
Attitudes, themes and ideas
Surfacing a long term relationship. Enjoying the closeness
without taking the responsibility about the future or past.
Rejects the traditional concerns for romance.
The famous sights of Paris are unimportant to
the writer. "Do you mind if we do not go to the
Louvre, If we say sod off to sodding Notre Dame,
If we skip the Champs Elysées"
Speaker concentrates on "sleazy/old hotel
room" "cracks across the ceiling" "walls are
peeling" feeling unique to narrators experience with someone
"I'm in Paris with the slightest thing you do" -
being together is much more important than
romantic locations
Comparison
Hour - relationship blossoming in
ordinary places, concentrates on the
present
Born Yesterday - rejects
traditional romantic ideas