Mother Any Distance (P)

Question 1

Exposition

” the acres of the floors, the prairies of the floors.”

Answer 1

A01:
The mother helps him measure the new house

A02
Spatial metaphors “acres” “prairies” refer to extensive open spaces could suggest he is daunted by the vast new space
The finalising full stop portrays the speakers confidence at this point in the poem even if he may not be completely happy.

A03
The worry of moving somewhere new without family

Question 2

Mid-Point

“You at the zero-end (…) Anchor. Kite.”

Answer 2

A01:
The narrator describes the anchoring presence the Mother provides as she helps her son
A02:
Direct address “You” she is his starting point
Grounding noun “Anchor” grounding and supportive but also perhaps stifling
A03
The perhaps overpowering controlling nature of parents as they struggle to let go

Question 3

Denouement

“endless sky / to fall or fly”

Answer 3

A01:
The narrator finally steps into his new life as he opens the window at the top of the house

A02:
Infinite adjective “endless” numerous possibilities but also the breadth of the unknown
Juxtaposing couplet to conclude highlights the possibility that things can go wrong but also go right as he finds his freedom

A03:
“your fingertips still pinch” pepper he still feels his mother’s reach but he begins to think for himself

Question 4

Pepper

“your fingertips still pinch”