NEWS BREAK
By Max Fatchen
Now why so loving, darling,
And why the sudden kiss?
You’d help me with some little jobs?
For goodness sake, what’s this?
Your face is clean for once, dear.
Your clothes without crease.
You saved your luncheon money?
Will wonders never cease?
No dropping of your school books,
No shrieking, childish treble.
Today you are a lamb, love,
Where yesterday a rebel.
But surely you’re some stranger,
No rage or hullabaloo.
Come closer, let me look, dear,
Can this be REALLY you?
Now were you struck by lightning
Or were you stunned at sport?
Ah… now I see the reason.
You’ve brought your school report!
SUMMARY BY STANZAS
STANZA 1
The parent is surprised that the child has a sudden change of
behaviour. The child has become so loving and gives the parent a
kiss. The child also helps the parent with chores around the house.
The parent is bewildered.
STANZA 2
The parent cannot believe that the child’s face is clean and his
clothes are neat without any wrinkles. The child has also saved his
lunch money. The parent is totally dumbfounded.
STANZA 3
The parent is surprised when the child does not drop his school
books around the house. The child also does not scream and shout.
On that day, the child is as innocent and gentle as a lamb which is a
sharp contrast from the day before where he was rebellious.
STANZA 4
The parent begins to wonder if the child is a stranger. The child
does not show any anger nor make any noise. The parents want to
have a clearer look to confirm the identity of the child.
STANZA 5
The parent wonders if lightning has struck the child or if he was
shocked while playing sports. However, the parent finally finds out
the truth about the child’s improved behaviour. The child has
brought home his school report.
TONE
IRONY
IMAGERY
• confused
• A mother confused with her child was
behaved and quiet
• A mother should happy when her child
behave. However, in this poem
bewildered by it.
• The sudden kiss
• Clean face
• Doing some little jobs
METAPHOR
SIMILE
SYMBOLISM
• Today, you are lamb, love
• Where yesterday a rebel
• But surely you’re some strange
• Today you’re a lamb
• Your face is clean