In pairs, read the poem ‘Comrades’ by Eva Gore-Booth aloud. Look carefully at the title of the poem, what do you think the word ‘comrades’ means?
Comrades By Eva Gore-Booth
The peaceful night that round me fl ows, Breaks through your iron prison doors, Free through the world your spirit goes, Forbidden hands are clasping yours. The wind is our confederate, The night has left her doors ajar, We meet beyond earth’s barrèd gate, Where all the world’s wild Rebels are.
confederate: ally
Understand
1. How is the night described in the first line? 2. Find an example of personification in this poem.
Explore
3 3
1. Do you think the speaker considers herself one of ‘the world’s wild Rebels’?
2. Do you think the speaker longs to be with the person addressed in the poem? Give reasons for your answer.
Investigate
This poem is written to the poet’s sister Constance Markievicz, who was imprisoned for her part in the 1916 Easter Rising. Use your research skills to find out more about Constance Markievicz. Try to find out the following information:
date and place of birth and death her involvement in the Easter Rising images of and articles about Constance Markievicz video links or media files with information about Markievicz information about her sister, the poet Eva Gore-Booth. When you have gathered the information, share your findings with your class.
