Study Notes
Peter Porter's poem "A Consumer's Report" uses an extended metaphor to compare life to a consumer product, inviting readers to consider how they might review their own lives. The poem satirizes a consumerist society that treats profound experiences as products, using a jaded consumer's voice to explore philosophical questions about existence.
- Extended Metaphor — a comparison between two unlike things that continues throughout a series of sentences or lines. Example: Comparing life to a consumer product in the poem.
- Anaphora — the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. Example: "It was not economical" and "It seemed gentle on the hands" in the poem.
- Irony — a literary technique in which what is said is the opposite of what is meant. Example: The speaker questions the need for life while being alive.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Extended Metaphor
- Anaphora
- Irony
Common Confusions
- Confusing the speaker's voice with the poet's own views
- Misinterpreting the satire as a literal critique of life
Typical Exam Questions
- What is the extended metaphor in the poem? The poem compares life to a consumer product.
- How does the poem use irony? The speaker questions the value of life while being alive.
- What is the effect of anaphora in the poem? It creates a list-like structure that emphasizes the speaker's complaints.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of the poem's central metaphor
- Ability to identify and explain literary devices
- Interpretation of the poem's satirical tone