Poem 15 - Andrew Waterhouse - Climbing My Grandfather Flashcards
When was the poet alive?
1958-2001
When was the poem published?
2000
What is the poem about?
The narrator imagines climbing his grandfather, uses the extended metaphor of himself as a climber and his grandfather as a mountain. The narrator may be imagining the scene or remembering it from his childhood when he played with his grandfather as a young boy and observing things about him, or he may be using climbing as a metaphor for getting to know him 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 emphasises the climber’s steady progress. Visually the poem appears strong and solid, like a mountain.
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 sense 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 significance of “decide” (Line 1)?
Because of the present tense, the reader feels 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.
