Climbing My Grandfather Flashcards
Who wrote the poem?
Andrew Waterhouse
When was the poem published?
2000
What is the poem about?
The narrator imagines climbing his grandfather, he uses the extended metaphor of himself as the climber and his grandfather as the mountain. The narrator may be imagining the scene or remembering it from his childhood when he played with his grandfather as a young boy observing things about him, or he may be using climbing as a metaphor for getting to know his as an adult.
Describe the poem’s form
The poem is written in the present tense, following the narrator’s journey up the mountain as he’s imagining it. Enjambment imitates the motion of climbing and emphasizes the climber’s steady progress.
Describe the structure of the poem.
The poem follows a climber’s progress up a mountain from the bottom to the summit, it feels as though he is getting higher with each line of the poem.
Describe how language about mountains is used in the poem.
The extended metaphor of the grandfather as a mountain shows how the narrator sees him - as a permanent, reliable part of his life, as well as something impressive to explore.
Describe the use of language about exploration.
The climbing metaphor creates a scene of exploration that reflects the child’s excitement and enjoyment from playing with his grandfather. The child-like way in which he notices and then describes things shows how fascinated he is by the features he discovers.
Describe the use of language about personal discovery in the poem.
The poem can be read as the words of an adult, who is learning about his grandfather, it is adult in tone and uses complex vocabulary. The climbing metaphor shows the narrator is actively trying to get to know his grandfather as a person.
What is the effect of “earth-stained hands” (Line 7)?
This shows that the grandfather had a love for nature/being outside, which reflects in the son’s love for nature, which can be seen through his appreciation of the mountain metaphor.
What is the impact of “warm ice” (Line 10)?
The oxymoron suggests that his grandfather seems one way from the outside, like an icy, cold impermeable figure. But his grandson understands him in a way that other people can’t see, like a warm and kind person.
What is the significance of “decide” (Line 1)?
The present tense makes the reader feel like they’re witnessing the climb happening in front of them, which develops a sense of adventure.
What is the effect of “free” (Line 1)?
This adds danger and excitement to the child’s game, since there’s nothing to catch the narrator if he falls.
What is suggested by “without a rope or net.” (Line 1)?
It shows how he feels confident enough with his grandfather, but it also reinforces the element of risk. This climbing vocabulary introduces the extended climbing metaphor.
What is the significance of “At his firm shoulder” (Line 13)?
This shows how reliable and strong his father is. It also has connotations to “a shoulder to lean on” which shows his dependence and love for his grandfather.
