Daisy's Poem

[megustaleer]

I'm struggling to understand the significance of the poem Daisy 'reads'.

I think, perhaps, that some clue has been missed out when the abridgement for radio was made. Is this some sort of turning point in her relationship with her grandfather, recalling a time when they enjoyed poetry together and signalling a reconcilliation?

Why that poem? Why not read one from her book? Why should it have that effect on Baxter......It barely seems credible to me that 'poetry (as opposed to music) should have charms to soothe the savage breast'

What significance is there in the fact that Henry only vaguely recognises the poem, and, just like Baxter thinks that is one of Daisy's own compositions.

I have hidden bits of my questions, in case there actually is significance in the choice of poem!

I seem to have a problem with my second 'spoiler alert'.

[megustaleer]

My missing second spoiler was just that Just like Baxter, Henry thinks that 'Dover Beach' is one of Daisy's own compositions

[ChrisG]

I did think there was significance to the choice of poem
from the title of her book and earlier references to her poetry, her poems were highly erotic and sexually explicit - not something that was a good choice to read while standing naked in front of would-be rapists! Her grandfather recognised that and threw Daisy a lifeline by suggesting the Matthew Arnold poem.

Neither Henry, nor Baxter, were poetically literate, so neither would recognise the poem or its author.

[megustaleer]

Thanks, CG. I hadn't retained the title of the book, and not having it in front of me hadn't realized its significance. Wasn't aware that Daisy was naked but I did have trouble staying awake that night! Must listen to that episode again.

[ChrisG]

Megustaleer,

Somewhere back in the beginning, Perowne is thinking about the poem Daisy wrote that won the prize at uni. He is somewhat shocked by it and 'surprised' to think of its significance about how many lovers it indicates that his 'little girl' has had while away from home. I remember thinking, 'In this day and age, could any parent really be surprised and/or shocked by such suspicions of life at university?' Puh-leeze! But I found his character highly unrealistic for the most part so maybe I'm prejudiced. :rolleyes:

The title of Daisy's soon to be published book was 'The Saucy Bark', which I took to indicate that the writing would be more in the same vein as the aforementioned poem.