Climbing My Grandfather Flashcards
Context for the poem?
Written by Andrew Waterhouse, a 20th Century poet who was keen on nature hence the nature links in his poems. His poems also reflect his life growing up. CMG is thought to be autobiographical.
How is love presented in the poem?
Paternal and loving through understanding someone
What are some themes in the poem?
Empathy, Trust, Respect
“Pushing into the weave”
Metaphor - grandfather is tough and not willing to open up
“Without a rope or net”
Preposition - there is an element of risk involved so he has to trust his grandfather.
Also could be doing it without guidance from anyone else - caring
“Earth-stained hand”
“The nails are splintered”
Nature symbolism - grandfather is hard working
Enjambement in second quotation - emphasises how something is splintered and broken, could be something more than his nails
“Trying to get a grip”
Metaphor - the speaker is trying to better understand his grandfather
“Place my feet gently”
Adverb - Grandchild is considerate of the pain the grandfather may have gone through
“Dusty and cracked”
“Smooth and thick”
Juxtaposition - shows a change in grandfather’s features, could reflect the speaker getting to know him better and their resultant change in relationship.
“Watching clouds and birds circle”
Metaphor - could suggest that the grandfather is the centre point of the family
“Firm shoulders”
Adjective - has to be strong because of past troubles
Also supports the grandson
Why are there no stanzaic breaks?
It could reflect the long, tiring journey the grandson has gone through to get to know his grandfather and the grandfathers long life
Links to other poems?
BYWM - both speakers are discovering a family member
