Following on we answered about four questions. I almost responded to the first one asking how we were, but I didn't. I did answer a question on our possible return home. I replied that obviously I didn't even think about that. Anyway, it seemed to have gone well. After breakfast and our having left S and A, we went to church to pray in silence. Very good, calming.
3 lines cover answering questions.
Note "we" and "about" four questions; not an exact answer. Note the change to "I" which is stronger, telling us what wasn't done; always important.
Note that "obviously" is used when the subject wants us to take for granted something without questioning.
Note "S and A" now has the other children mentioned.
3 lines cover answering questions.
Note "we" and "about" four questions; not an exact answer. Note the change to "I" which is stronger, telling us what wasn't done; always important.
Note that "obviously" is used when the subject wants us to take for granted something without questioning.
Note "S and A" now has the other children mentioned.
After getting back I decided to go running—for the first time since THE day (already 11 days ago). I knew that it was going to be physically difficult, but I also knew that I wasn't going to give up, because it was for Madeleine and also because the level of pain is far higher now.
No cameras or journalists, which was great. I went running towards the beach and then along it and again climbed that hill so steep —without stopping! (I carried a photo of M in my hand to keep me going.) On the last hill past the tennis courts my legs completely weak, but I managed to keep myself walking. I managed to reach the apartment then time to stop—to think—I felt really quite calm.
Note that the subject has 7 lines dedicated to her running with strong use of "I" as central. This is unexpected in a missing baby case.
Note how often the pronoun "I" is used. The context is her running and her emotions (self). This should be noted in comparison when pronouns are missing.
Note that the subject has 7 lines dedicated to her running with strong use of "I" as central. This is unexpected in a missing baby case.
Note how often the pronoun "I" is used. The context is her running and her emotions (self). This should be noted in comparison when pronouns are missing.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23: Gordon Brown called and spoke with Gerry -very kind and giving encouragement.
Feeling a bit emotional afterwards.
Full name; important person. Note "Gerry" rather than abbreviation.
Full name; important person. Note "Gerry" rather than abbreviation.
SATURDAY, MAY 26: We went to an amusement park with the kids. Some phone calls, emails etc. Not a very good day for either the two of us—some dark thoughts/ frustrations/ desperation creeping in. Some tears.
Note "kids" are now not mentioned by name.
Note "kids" are now not mentioned by name.
I love you so much XXX
SUNDAY, MAY 27: Clarence spoke to us about a possible trip to the Vatican. It seems that it really is going to happen—main story on the news!
Spoke to Dad. I went for a walk to the beach with Sean and Amelie. Frozen. Beach—slippery, wet feet.
This is the first entrance where the children's names are used. Note that "I" and the word "with" show the furthest distance. The lack of mentioning of the children and now the distancing language is noted.
We all had dinner when we got back to the apartment.
We have to keep looking. We have to find you beloved xxxxx.
"We have to keep looking" is a reminder to keep searching for her child. This is also unexpected as a mother would not need to remind herself in a diary: leading us to ask to whom this is written.
"We have to keep looking" is a reminder to keep searching for her child. This is also unexpected as a mother would not need to remind herself in a diary: leading us to ask to whom this is written.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30: The kids went to bed again around 9pm!!! Low point of tonight—becoming desperate/without hope because of the lack of information. They are acting like they have no leads at all. Very worried.
Unknown as to why the sentence "the kids went to bed again around 9pm" would receive three exclamation marks.
"Very worried" has no pronoun, which is unusual since the diary uses pronouns in large amount, especially the use of "I" associated with running, above. This is unexpected and a weak assertion of being "very worried" and will cause doubt.
Unknown as to why the sentence "the kids went to bed again around 9pm" would receive three exclamation marks.
"Very worried" has no pronoun, which is unusual since the diary uses pronouns in large amount, especially the use of "I" associated with running, above. This is unexpected and a weak assertion of being "very worried" and will cause doubt.
Tomorrow it will be 4 weeks since Madeleine was taken. Four weeks since we saw our special little girl. We are not certain that we will ever see her again, but know that we have to keep up our hope and strength—for the others, at least. Exhausted.
this is troubling:
1. Note Madeleine "was taken" is passive and not "kidnapped" which is stronger.
2. Note the absence of the pronoun, "I" in relation to Madeleine is highly unexpected by a mother.
3. Note how often "we" is used
4. Note "our" special little child uses "our", something often seen where a step parent is involved, or divorce is discussed.
5. Note that this is inconsistent: "we" are not writing the diary, but "I" am
6. Note that when the subject speaks of herself, there are more lines, but when she writes of Madeleine, there are less.
7. Note "but know" is missing pronoun: "but I know" would be stronger; here it is not even "we know"
The diary should be either written by one or written by two, and the change back and forth will cause some to question the veracity of the subject: is the subject writing to keep a record of her emotions, her activities? Is it therapeutic?
Or: Is this an attempt to persuade readership?
this is troubling:
1. Note Madeleine "was taken" is passive and not "kidnapped" which is stronger.
2. Note the absence of the pronoun, "I" in relation to Madeleine is highly unexpected by a mother.
3. Note how often "we" is used
4. Note "our" special little child uses "our", something often seen where a step parent is involved, or divorce is discussed.
5. Note that this is inconsistent: "we" are not writing the diary, but "I" am
6. Note that when the subject speaks of herself, there are more lines, but when she writes of Madeleine, there are less.
7. Note "but know" is missing pronoun: "but I know" would be stronger; here it is not even "we know"
The diary should be either written by one or written by two, and the change back and forth will cause some to question the veracity of the subject: is the subject writing to keep a record of her emotions, her activities? Is it therapeutic?
Or: Is this an attempt to persuade readership?
I love you so much, Madeleine. You must come back! X
"You" must come back; not "I" must get you back, etc
Diary Notes - June 2007
FRIDAY, JUNE 1: Quite fed up...I can't stop thinking about Madeleine, about her fear of pain. How can I go on knowing that her life could have ended like this?
It is quite unexpected for a mother who thinks her child was "taken" to accept that her life may have ended, so soon after the event. This is similar to a parent of a missing child speaking of the child in the past tense. It is one thing to have doubts and fears (see below) but this is a rhetorical question.
This week I have been quite overtaken by black thoughts. Please, God, bring her back.
Here, she asks God to bring her back, rather than direct to Madeleine to come back
Here, she asks God to bring her back, rather than direct to Madeleine to come back
Bedtime is becoming more and more of a challenge.
http://seamusoriley.blogspot.com/2011/12/statement-analysis-kate-mccann-diary.html
http://seamusoriley.blogspot.com/2011/12/statement-analysis-kate-mccann-diary.html
