The River God

Adjective | Quote to support | Powerful | "But I can drown the fools who bathe too close to the weir, contrary to rules" | Perverted | "I like the people to bathe in me, especially women" | Possessive | "So I brought her down here to be my beautiful dear" |

Line | Aspect of the relationship | Line 4‘And I like the people to bathe in me, especially women.’ | Suggests that the river god likes the company of female humans | Lines 5-9‘But I can drown the foolsWho bathe too close to the weir, contrary to rules.And they take a long time drowningAs I throw them up now and then in the spirit of clowning.Hi yih, yippity yap, merrily I flow,’ | Suggests that the river god has power over humans and can do what he likes to them | Lines 11-16‘Once there was a lady who was too boldShe bathed in me by the tall black cliff where the water runs cold,So i brought her down hereTo be my beautiful dear.Oh will she stay with me will she stayThis beautiful lady, or will she go away?’ | Suggests he has taken a liking to a particular woman and wants to stay with her | Line 23Now. They say I am a foolish old smelly river | Suggests that what the humans think about the river is not actually correct; it has hidden secrets | Line 26If she wishes to go I will not forgive her. | Suggests the river god has control over the woman and thinks she cares what he thinks of her |

Poem Analysis: * Using childlike language such as 'yippity-yap' in the poem makes the river god seem playful and innocent, so his real identity and personality are obscure. * The river god repeats that he is 'old' and 'smelly' so that it is clear what humans think of him; when he describes himself as 'beautiful' it creates more of a contrast. * Using rhyming couplets puts emphasis on the main points of the poem, for example 'drowning' and 'clowning'. It gives an impression of the river god's personalities - playful but dangerous. * I think the poet is saying that although we see some aspects of nature as dirty and insignificant, and others as beautiful and harmless, there can be features of it which are not as they seem. * The poem creates an image of a god who is powerful and possessive, with a split personality and who takes advantage of his position. It also portrays a loving person to a certain extent. * The final line could mean that the river god will give the woman the choice of whether she wants to go, as though she is still living. It also could mean that if she does, he will exact revenge on her for leaving him.

Characteristics:
The River God: * Is intelligent * Is insecure * Is dangerous 1. Isn't playful 2. Isn't heartless * Is capable of murder 3. Can't be trusted * Is sinister 4. Isn't lovable * Is self-aware