Ever wondered how something as simple as a handkerchief could...
English Literature294 views·Updated Jun 9, 2026·2 pagesDetailed Guide to 'Material' by Ros Barber
Katie Toppin@katietoppin
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The Hanky Queen and Generational Divide
Your mum probably uses tissues, but the speaker's mother was the "hanky queen" - someone who always had a proper cloth handkerchief ready for any situation. This opening immediately sets up the poem's central theme: how material objects can represent entire ways of life that have vanished.
The poem's tone starts off quite humorous and nostalgic. Barber uses funny imagery like hankies having "a farm up there" in her mum's sleeve, suggesting they multiply like rabbits. The personification makes these simple objects feel alive and meaningful, whilst the colloquial language keeps things relatable.
There's a clear generational conflict here - the daughter finds the embroidered hankies embarrassing, especially when her mum spits on them to clean her face. The use of pronouns "she" and "it" creates distance between mother and daughter, showing how differently they value these traditional items.
Key insight: The handkerchief becomes a metonym - a symbol representing an entire era of traditional values and domestic life that's now disappearing.
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Loss, Change and Letting Go
The poem's mood shifts dramatically as Barber explores what disappeared along with handkerchiefs. She paints a vivid picture of community life - George the greengrocer, the friendly butcher, Mrs White's dancing school - all gone because the generation who valued these personal connections has died.
The nostalgic tone becomes more melancholy as the speaker admits "Nostalgia only makes me old." She recognises that she's failed to pass on her mother's values, raising "neglected-looking kids" who watch TV instead of learning traditional domestic skills. This creates a sense of guilt and loss.
The poem's ending is particularly powerful. When the speaker's mother dies, she leaves behind "tissues and uncertainty" rather than proper handkerchiefs. However, there's a redemptive message: her mother tells her to use modern materials to create her own meaning and traditions.
Remember: This isn't just about handkerchiefs - it's about how social change affects family relationships and whether we can honour the past whilst embracing the present.
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English Literature294 views·Updated Jun 9, 2026·2 pagesDetailed Guide to 'Material' by Ros Barber
Katie Toppin@katietoppin
Ever wondered how something as simple as a handkerchief could tell the story of changing times? Ros Barber's poem "Material" uses her mum's beloved hankies to explore the shift from traditional family values to our modern throwaway culture, whilst examining...
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The Hanky Queen and Generational Divide
Your mum probably uses tissues, but the speaker's mother was the "hanky queen" - someone who always had a proper cloth handkerchief ready for any situation. This opening immediately sets up the poem's central theme: how material objects can represent entire ways of life that have vanished.
The poem's tone starts off quite humorous and nostalgic. Barber uses funny imagery like hankies having "a farm up there" in her mum's sleeve, suggesting they multiply like rabbits. The personification makes these simple objects feel alive and meaningful, whilst the colloquial language keeps things relatable.
There's a clear generational conflict here - the daughter finds the embroidered hankies embarrassing, especially when her mum spits on them to clean her face. The use of pronouns "she" and "it" creates distance between mother and daughter, showing how differently they value these traditional items.
Key insight: The handkerchief becomes a metonym - a symbol representing an entire era of traditional values and domestic life that's now disappearing.
2
of 2Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Loss, Change and Letting Go
The poem's mood shifts dramatically as Barber explores what disappeared along with handkerchiefs. She paints a vivid picture of community life - George the greengrocer, the friendly butcher, Mrs White's dancing school - all gone because the generation who valued these personal connections has died.
The nostalgic tone becomes more melancholy as the speaker admits "Nostalgia only makes me old." She recognises that she's failed to pass on her mother's values, raising "neglected-looking kids" who watch TV instead of learning traditional domestic skills. This creates a sense of guilt and loss.
The poem's ending is particularly powerful. When the speaker's mother dies, she leaves behind "tissues and uncertainty" rather than proper handkerchiefs. However, there's a redemptive message: her mother tells her to use modern materials to create her own meaning and traditions.
Remember: This isn't just about handkerchiefs - it's about how social change affects family relationships and whether we can honour the past whilst embracing the present.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Similar content
Most popular content: Catrin Poem
5Most popular content in English Literature
9Most popular content
9Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan SiOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha KlichAndroid user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
AnnaiOS user