I Shall Paint My Nails Red by Carole Satyamurti Narrative Summary The poem depicts the personality of the narrator,

wherein the process of painting her nails red reflects upon her inner identity as a woman and as a mother. Technique Repetition Quote(s) Because a bit of colourBecause I am proud of my hands Intended Effect Reveal aspects of her life, such as her survival of lifes difficulties and enjoyment of the roles of motherhood and lover while creating a rhythmic fluency and musicality. To enhance intimacy between storyteller and reader and to permit the reader to be able to access her emotional identity and feelings about her everyday life. To represent the narrators passion and fiery nature which are an important part of her identity. To create a rhythmic, musical fluency that supports the repeating beat of the poem, and thus suggest the narrators life flows. To create a playful identity for the narrator and thus engage the reader in an entertaining fashion. To create rhythmic poetic fluency while emphasising the arguably narcissistic nature of the poem. Context Emphasises the importance of taking a stand against the social pressures of society, and how an individual should be able to make their own key life decisions and choices, such as being able to paint my nails red.

First Person Narrative

Because I am proud of my hands Because it will remind Me Im a woman

Symbolism

My nails red

Alliteration

Ten-Minute Moratorium I will look like a survivor [Simile] Because it will remind me Im a woman Because a bit of colour is a public service Because I will look like a survivor Because I can admire them in traffic jams Because I will look like a survivor Dyeing my hair Because it will remind me Im a woman Because a bit of colour is a public service / Because I am proud of my hands

Hyperbole

Assonance

Statement / Monologue

To boldly assert the narrators feminine identity and use the trivial act of painting ones nails as an entry point into the inner workings of her seemingly contented life.

I Shall Paint My Nails Red Carole Satyamurti

because a bit of a colour is a public service because I am proud of my hands. because it will remind me I'm a woman. because I will look like a survivor. because I can admire them in traffic jams because my daughter will say ugh. because my lover will be surprised. because it is quicker than dyeing my hair. because it is a ten-minute moratorium because it is reversible.

How does Satyamurti present the idea of individuality in I shall paint my nails red. Discuss.