Introduction: Welcome to "Material"

Welcome! Today we are diving into "Material" by Ros Barber. This is one of the most relatable poems in your Poems of the Decade collection. At its heart, it is a poem about a daughter remembering her mother, but it uses a very simple, everyday object to do so: the handkerchief.

Don't worry if poetry sometimes feels like a puzzle. Think of this poem as a bridge between two worlds—the "old-fashioned" world of our parents and grandparents, and our modern, "disposable" world. By the end of these notes, you will understand how Barber uses "material" to talk about love, loss, and the lessons passed down through generations.

1. What is the poem about?

The speaker looks back at her childhood and remembers her mother always having a physical, cloth handkerchief (a "hanky") tucked up her sleeve. As the poem progresses, the speaker compares her mother’s generation—where things were kept, washed, and mended—with her own life today, where we use disposable tissues and live much busier, perhaps less "solid" lives.

Did you know? The title "Material" has a double meaning. It refers to the fabric of the handkerchief, but it also refers to the "stuff" we are made of—our character, our history, and our family bonds.

2. Key Themes

Tradition vs. Modernity

The poem contrasts the past and the present. The mother's world is filled with "hankies" that were "standard stuff," while the speaker’s world is full of "paper tissues" that are "bought in packs." This suggests that modern life might be more convenient, but it lacks the permanence and care of the past.

Motherhood and Duty

The speaker reflects on what it means to be a "good" mother. She feels a bit of guilt that she isn't exactly like her mother. While her mother provided stability and traditional "material," the speaker feels she provides "tissues and television."

Grief and Memory

The poem is an elegy (a poem of mourning). The handkerchief acts as a motif—a recurring symbol—that brings the dead mother back to life in the speaker's mind. Even though the mother is gone, the "material" of her life remains in the speaker’s memories.

3. Language and Imagery: The Power of the "Hanky"

Barber uses very specific details to make the memories feel real. Here are some key language points to look out for:

  • "Tucked into the edge of usherette’s v-necks": This imagery creates a strong sense of a specific time and place (the mid-20th century). It shows the handkerchief was a constant companion.
  • "A spoonful of tea," "dried-up flowers": These metaphors describe the stains on old handkerchiefs. They suggest that the cloth held the history of a person's life.
  • "Disposable" vs. "Permanent": Note the verbs used. The old hankies were "scrubbed" and "ironed," showing effort and care. Modern tissues are "soft and hidden," suggesting we want to hide away the mess of life rather than deal with it.
  • "The embarrassment of Italian 2.11": This adds a touch of humour and voice. It makes the speaker sound like a real person sharing a personal story, which helps you hit those AO1 marks for "informed, personal response."

Memory Aid: Think of the "H" in Handkerchief.
H – History (it keeps the past)
H – Heritage (it’s passed down)
H – Heart (it represents the mother’s love)

4. Structure and Form

The way a poem is built on the page always tells us something about its meaning! In "Material," the structure changes as the speaker's thoughts change.

  • Regular Stanzas: Most of the poem is written in eight-line stanzas (octaves). This regular shape feels stable and traditional—just like the mother the speaker is describing.
  • The "Break" in Stanza 6: Look at the sixth stanza. The rhythm falters, and the speaker starts talking about the present. This structural shift shows how the "solid" world of the past has broken down into the "disposable" world of today.
  • Rhyme Scheme: The poem uses half-rhymes (like "cloth" and "shop"). This makes the poem feel informal and like a natural conversation, rather than a stiff, formal piece of writing.

5. Making Connections (AO4)

In your exam, you will need to compare "Material" with another poem from the Poems of the Decade anthology. Here are some quick ideas for links:

  • Family and Parent-Child Relationships: Compare with "Effects" (Alan Jenkins) or "Genetics" (Sinéad Morrissey). All three poems look at how we inherit things from our parents—whether they are physical objects or biological traits.
  • Nostalgia and the Past: Compare with "To My Nine-Year-Old Self" (Helen Dunmore). Both poems look back at a different time in life and feel a sense of loss for what has changed.
  • The Meaning of Objects: Compare with "Ode on a Grayson Perry Urn" (Tim Turnbull), which also looks at how objects represent a specific culture or time period.

Quick Tip: When comparing, always ask yourself: Does the other poem feel as nostalgic as "Material," or is it more critical of the past?

6. Summary: Key Takeaways

Quick Review Box:
- Symbol: The handkerchief represents a lost era of care, permanence, and traditional motherhood.
- Tone: Nostalgic, slightly guilty, but ultimately accepting.
- Message: We cannot go back to the past, but we can honour it by acknowledging the "material" our parents gave us.
- Ending: The poem ends with the mother's "voice" telling the speaker to "step together, not apart," which is a message of moving forward while staying connected to your roots.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't just say the poem is about a handkerchief! Always explain that the handkerchief is a symbol for the mother and her values. The exam markers want to see you "read between the lines."

Well done! You've just mastered the essentials of "Material." Keep these notes handy, and next time you read the poem, try to imagine the texture of that "square of cloth"—it will help the imagery stick in your mind!