Mother,any distance

Question 1

What is this poem about?

Answer 1

This poem is about the speakers memory of his mother helping him take measurements in his new house

Question 2

Key metaphors

Answer 2

“Anchor” keeps the boat secure.This is the way the speaker feels about his mother.

“Kite” he is flying and she is keeping hold of him on the ground. Hint if him trying to get away from his mother. His mother may be to possessive.

The whole poem is one big extended metaphor.

Question 3

Key themes

Answer 3

Parent and child relationship
Growing up
Sense of place
Independance/freedom

Question 4

What does“Fall or fly”mean in this poem

Answer 4

The boy is reaching adulthood where it is time for him to make his own decisions without his mothers aid

Question 5

Tone

Answer 5

Affectionate tone towards his mother

Sense of uncertainty

Excited about future opportunities

Question 6

What does the “breaking point” suggest about their relationship

Answer 6

This shows the idea that the boy is trying to strain away whilst his mother is still clinging on.

Question 7

Structure

Answer 7

The sonnet form reflects the loving and supportive relationship between the mother and the son. The poem starts as a formal sonnet but gradually dissolves into free verse without rhyme and with uneven line length which portrays the speakers movement towards independence.