Walking Away (P)

Question 1

Exposition

” Like a satellite / Wrenched from its orbit”

Answer 1

A01
This personal poem follows Cecil day Lewis as he takes his son to boarding school for the first time

A02
Violent verb “wrenched” against his will evoking a sense of trauma and turmoil going to a new place
The jarring enjambment: represents the harsh pull and deportation of the father and son

A03
Represents the pain in letting as loved one go

Question 2

Mid point

”a half-fledged thing set free / into a wilderness “

Answer 2

A01:
The father doesn’t think the son was ready looking back

A02:
Infantile noun phrase “half-fledged” emphasises his vulnerability he is susceptible to danger and defenceless
Nature imagery “wilderness” the father is starting to recognise that moving apart is natural though he remains concerned.

A03:
The natural pain like pushing a bird out of the nest.

Question 3

Denouement

” How selfhood begins with a walking away / And love is proved in letting go.”

Answer 3

A01:
The father finally accepts the son’s leaving

A02:
Finalising couplet: captures the overall message of the poem and makes the father’s decision more permanent
Simple statement create a true and yielding tone as the father accepts the separation

A03:
The father shows the love of a parent transcends distance