Mother Any Distance Flashcards
Who wrote mother any distance
Simon armitage
What is the title of the collection that the poem comes from?
‘Book of Matches’
The collection consists of poems intended to be read quickly, similar to the time it takes for a match to burn.
What is the intended reading duration for each poem in the ‘Book of Matches’?
The time it took a match to burn
This concept emphasizes brevity and immediacy in poetry.
What literary technique does the poet often use in his work?
Everyday events to explore complex emotions
This technique allows for relatable themes that resonate on deeper emotional levels.
True or False: The poems in ‘Book of Matches’ are intended to be lengthy and complex.
False
The poems are designed for quick reading and simplicity.
What is the main subject of the poem?
A son moving into his own home and his mother helping him measure the new place
This situation prompts reflections on their relationship.
What emotions does the son experience about his new independence?
Excitement and anxiety
These mixed feelings highlight the complexity of growing up.
What does the title of the poem suggest?
It reflects the growing distance between mother and son as he becomes more independent
The title symbolizes the transition in their relationship.
List the key themes of the poem.
- Family
- Letting Go
- Love
- Childhood
These themes explore the dynamics of parental relationships.
Fill in the blank: The poem explores the themes of ______.
[Family, Letting Go, Love, Childhood]
True or False: The poem only focuses on the son’s excitement about independence.
False
The poem also addresses his anxiety about the change.
What role does the mother play in the poem?
She helps the son measure the new home, symbolizing support and guidance
This act represents her ongoing presence in his life.
What reflection does the son have while measuring the new place?
He reflects on how his mother has always been there for him
This reflection emphasizes the bond they share.
What poetic form is the poem loosely based on?
Sonnet
The sonnet is typically a form of love poetry.
What does the sonnet form emphasize in the poem?
The son’s love for his mother
How is the structure of the poem divided?
Roughly into an octave and a sestet
What is the significance of the volta in line 9?
The son begins to feel more excited about the move
What could the irregular rhyme scheme reflect about the relationship?
The relationship is a little uncertain
What does the additional line 15 imply about the relationship?
It is about to reach a breaking point
What does the final rhyming couplet suggest about their relationship?
It will continue to be close despite its changing nature
How does the son address his mother throughout the poem?
Directly
What is the focus of the first stanza?
The son’s need for his mother
What does the second stanza explore?
The son’s independence
What uncertainty is expressed at the end of the second stanza?
Where he will ‘fall or fly’