Climing My Grandfather Flashcards
How made climing my grandfather
Andrew Waterhouse
Who was Waterhouse?
Waterhouse was a teacher, environmentalist, poet, and musician.
At what age did Waterhouse commit suicide?
42
In what year did Waterhouse commit suicide?
2001
True or False: Waterhouse was only known as a musician.
False
Fill in the blank: Waterhouse was an environmentalist and a _______.
[poet]
What profession did Waterhouse have besides being an environmentalist?
Teacher
What are the four roles associated with Waterhouse?
- Teacher
- Environmentalist
- Poet
- Musician
What is the main subject of the poem?
A boy getting to know his grandfather
The poem explores the relationship between the boy and his grandfather.
What extended metaphor is used in the poem?
Climbing a mountain
This metaphor illustrates the boy’s journey of understanding and connection with his grandfather.
What tone does the poem convey?
Positive and loving
The tone reflects the affection and admiration the boy has for his grandfather.
What does the title of the poem evoke?
The image of a toddler climbing over his grandfather
It also suggests the grandparent’s higher status in life due to experience.
List the themes presented in the poem.
- Family
- Love
- Childhood
- Admiration
These themes highlight the core emotions and values expressed in the poem.
What literary structure does the poem resemble?
A long journey of ascending the mountain
This structure reflects the climber’s progress and is metaphorical for life.
In what tense is the poem written?
Present tense
This choice emphasizes the immediacy of the narrator’s journey.
What poetic devices are used to reflect the climb?
Enjambment and caesura
These devices create a rhythm that mirrors the ebb and flow of both the climb and life.
What does each line of the poem represent?
A higher level in the climb, closer to knowing his grandfather
This symbolizes the narrator’s quest for understanding and connection.
Fill in the blank: The poem is designed to resemble the long journey of _______.
[ascending the mountain]
What does the extended metaphor of the grandfather as a mountain signify?
It reflects how stable and permanent he is in the child’s life.
The metaphor emphasizes the grandfather’s reliability and strength.
How does the child feel about his grandfather?
The child is full of admiration and awe for his grandfather.
This admiration is shown through the child’s fascination and attention to detail.
What aspect of the child’s perspective is highlighted in the narrative?
The viewpoint of the child reveals a silent wisdom about the grandfather.
This perspective adds depth to the relationship between the child and grandfather.
What does the child’s curiosity during their journey signify?
It reflects the child’s fascination for each part of the journey.
This curiosity indicates a deeper appreciation for life and experiences.
How is the love between the child and grandfather portrayed?
It is reciprocated through the patience the grandfather shows in return.
This mutual affection strengthens their bond.
What do the specific climbing terminologies imply in the narrative?
They imply the adventures life holds.
The climbing terms symbolize the challenges and experiences faced in life.
What reassurance does the grandfather provide to the child?
The grandfather will always be a rock of support for his grandson.
This reassurance emphasizes stability and reliability in their relationship.
What tense is used in the poem?
Present tense
What perspective is the poem written from?
First person
What literary device is used to reflect scaling a mountain?
Enjambment
What extended metaphor is present in the poem?
Grandfather as a mountain
How is the structure of the poem designed?
One long stanza to mirror journey
What literary device is used to describe the skin of the grandfather’s finger?
Oxymoron/simile - smooth and thick
The comparison emphasizes the contrasting qualities of the grandfather’s skin.
What does the phrase ‘cold like ice’ signify in the context of the text?
A vivid image contrasting warmth and coldness
This highlights the emotional distance or experiences of the grandfather.
What is the significance of the caesura throughout the text?
It reflects the stages of getting to know his grandfather
Caesura contributes to the rhythm and pacing of the narrative.
What metaphor is used to describe the relationship between the grandson and his grandfather?
Trying to get to know his grandfather
This metaphor illustrates the emotional journey and discovery involved.
How does the grandson’s sensitivity affect his perception of past experiences?
He doesn’t focus on potentially painful past experiences
This indicates a trusting and positive relationship with his grandfather.
What does the phrase ‘I decide to do it free, without a rope or net’ imply?
A sense of adventure and risk-taking
It symbolizes the grandson’s willingness to explore his relationship freely.
What imagery is created by the description of the old brogues?
Dusty and cracked
This imagery sets a tone of age and history, contributing to the narrative’s depth.
Fill in the blank: The grandson feels a _______ and trust in his grandfather to protect him.
confidence
What does the glassy ridge of a scar represent in the text?
A mark of past experiences
The scar symbolizes the history and stories that shape the grandfather’s character.
What does the grandson traverse along to change direction?
His grandfather’s belt
This action illustrates the physical and metaphorical journey of understanding.
What emotional tone is conveyed through the grandson’s journey?
Excitement
The journey reflects the anticipation and eagerness to connect with his grandfather.
What does the grandfather enjoy doing in the shade?
Playing
This indicates a relaxed and carefree attitude in the relationship.
What danger is associated with climbing, according to the text?
Climbing has its dangers
This suggests a recognition of the risks involved in physical pursuits.
What imagery is used to describe the relationship between the grandfather and grandson?
Climbing imagery with a child on an adult’s shoulder
This symbolizes guidance and support.
What does the act of resting on the grandfather’s shoulder symbolize?
Taking on board advice/wisdom
This metaphor illustrates the transmission of knowledge across generations.
What feeling does the grandson experience after drinking from the grandfather’s mouth?
Refreshed
This indicates a sense of rejuvenation and connection.
What does the grandson observe about the grandfather’s eyes?
A pupil slowly opens and closes
This detail emphasizes the intimacy of their moment together.
What does the thick white hair of the grandfather symbolize?
Wisdom and age
The color and texture of hair often reflect life experience.
What does the grandson feel while lying and watching the clouds and birds?
The slow pulse of his good heart
This signifies a deep emotional bond and sense of security.
What does the text suggest about the completion of the journey?
The journey is complete
This indicates personal growth and understanding achieved through the relationship.
True or False: The relationship between the grandson and grandfather is portrayed as warm and close.
True
The text reflects a strong emotional connection.
Fill in the blank: The grandson feels a sense of _______ after the climbing experience.
Achievement
This highlights the value of effort and perseverance.
What is a key poetic device used in the poem?
Extended metaphor
An extended metaphor is a comparison between two unlike things that continues throughout a series of sentences in a paragraph or lines in a poem.
What type of stanza is used in the poem?
Single stanza
A single stanza means the poem is composed of one continuous section without breaks.
Name a semantic field present in the poem.
Climbing terminology
This refers to the specific vocabulary related to climbing, used to convey themes of ascent and exploration.
What is enjambment in poetry?
Continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line
Enjambment creates a sense of movement and urgency in the reading.
Define caesura in poetry.
A pause within a line of poetry
Caesura can create a dramatic effect and emphasize certain words or phrases.
List three useful vocabulary terms for analyzing this poem.
- Adventurous
- Poignant
- Exploration
These terms help in discussing the themes and emotions conveyed in the poem.
Which poem can be compared to the bond between the speaker and parents?
Eden Rock
‘Eden Rock’ explores familial relationships and bonds similar to those described in the poem.
From whose viewpoint is ‘Follower’ written?
The viewpoint of a child
This perspective highlights the relationship dynamics between the child and the parent.
What theme is explored in ‘Walking Away’?
Growing up
‘Walking Away’ reflects on the emotional distance that can develop as children grow and become independent.
Fill in the blank: The poem evokes feelings of _______.
Awe
Awe can reflect the sense of wonder and admiration experienced in the context of the poem.
What does the term ‘reciprocal’ refer to in the context of the poem?
Mutual exchange or relationship
This term emphasizes the give-and-take nature of the relationships depicted in the poem.