5. ‘Half-past Two’ by U. A. Fanthorpe
Bio of the Poet
- Ursula Askham (U.A.) Fanthorpe (1929–2009): An English poet known for her witty, insightful poetry often written in the voice of outsiders or overlooked individuals.
- Her poetry is accessible, ironic, and explores childhood, education, and power dynamics.
- She was a former teacher, which influences this poem.
Detailed Summary
- The poem recounts a young child being punished and left alone in a classroom because he couldn’t tell the time.
- The child is trapped in a world where adult time makes no sense—he doesn’t know how to read the clock.
- As a result, he enters a magical, timeless world full of sensory experiences.
- Eventually, the teacher remembers and releases him, but the spell is broken.
- The poem reflects the contrast between childlike perception and adult expectations.
Main Themes
- Childhood Innocence
- Time and Perception
- Power and Authority
- Imagination vs. Reality
Literary Analysis
- Form: Free verse with irregular stanzas—mirrors the confusion of the child.
- Tone: Gentle, humorous, nostalgic.
- Language:
- Use of child-like voice: “Gettinguptime, timeyouwereofftime.”
- Capitalisation of “She” (the teacher) highlights adult authority.
- Use of child-like voice: “Gettinguptime, timeyouwereofftime.”
- Irony: The punishment leads to a transcendent moment for the child.
- Structure: Begins with confusion, builds to a sense of wonder, ends with reality intruding.
Main Message
- The poem explores how adults impose structure on a child’s world, but children live in a more sensory, imaginative realm.
- It critiques rigid systems (like school time) and celebrates the freedom of the child’s mind.
Expected Exam Questions
- How does Fanthorpe portray a child’s perspective in ‘Half-past Two’?
- Explore the theme of time in the poem.
- How is authority shown in the poem?
- In what ways is the poem humorous and serious at the same time?