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Question 1
Quick RecallWhat does the word 'cardboard' denote in the poem?
The word 'cardboard' refers to the thick, stiff paper on which the old photograph of the poet's mother was pasted. In the context of the poem, it symbolizes how a fragile piece of material can preserve a moment of life long after the people in it have changed or passed away. It creates a sense of distance and age, suggesting that the memory is old and belongs to a different era. The choice of 'cardboard' instead of 'photograph' at the start emphasizes the physical, inanimate nature of the object holding the lively memory.