Walking away

• What is the main theme of the poem "Walking Away" by Cecil Day-Lewis?

  The main theme is the reflection on the father-son relationship as the son grows up and leaves home.

  
• Who is the author of the poem "Walking Away"?

  Cecil Day-Lewis

  
• How does the father feel about his son's separation in the poem?

  The father feels a sense of pain and reflection regarding his son's separation.
• What significant event does the father recall in the poem?

  The father recalls his son playing his first football game at school.
• What does the father compare his son to when he walks away?

  The father compares his son to natural imagery, suggesting growth and independence.
• What does the contrast between "wrenched" and "drifting" suggest about the father's feelings?

  It suggests that the father is reluctant to let his son go, while the son is ready for independence.
• What does the term "pathos" refer to in the context of the poem?

  Pathos refers to the evocation of pity, portraying the son as a vulnerable character.
• What does the phrase "half-fledged thing set free" imply about the son?

  It implies that the son is not fully ready for independence.
• How does the imagery of a "winged seed loosened from its parent stem" relate to the theme of the poem?

  It relates to the theme of independence and the father's loss of control over his son's life.
• What does the use of past tense in the poem signify?

  It signifies that the poem is a reflection on the son's childhood.
• What does the repetition of the word "away" emphasize in the poem?

  It emphasizes the growing distance in the father-son relationship.
• How does the poem portray the institution of school in relation to the father-son relationship?

  The poem portrays school as a surrogate parent that teaches independence, creating distance between father and son.
• What does the father reflect on regarding his son's socialization?

  The father reflects on how socialization at home and institutions shapes the son's identity.
• What does the final stanza of the poem suggest about love and letting go?

  It suggests that love is proven in the act of letting go.
• How does the poem's perspective influence its tone?

  The first-person perspective creates a reflective tone, emphasizing the father's feelings of distance and loss.
• What does the phrase "gnaws at my mind still" imply about the father's feelings?

  It implies that the father's feelings of sadness and regret are persistent and troubling.
• What is the significance of the subtitle "for Sean" in the poem?

  The subtitle indicates that the poem is semi-autobiographical and reflects the author's personal experiences with his son.
• What are the key themes present in "Walking Away"?

  • Independence
  • Aging
  • Reflection
  • Childhood
  • Memory
  • Father/Child Relationship
  • Love
  • Parental Distance
• How does the poem use natural imagery to convey themes?

  • Compares the son to natural elements to show growth
  • Highlights the uncontrollable nature of the son's independence
  • Reflects on the father's feelings of loss and distance
• What literary devices are used in "Walking Away" to enhance its themes?

  • Temporal deixis to emphasize reflection
  • Contrast between words like "wrenched" and "drifting"
  • Use of enjambment to convey ongoing thoughts
  • Pathetic fallacy to reflect emotional states

  
• How does the poem's structure contribute to its meaning?

  • First-person narrative creates intimacy
  • Use of enjambment reflects the continuity of thought
  • Repetition emphasizes key emotional themes
• What does the poem suggest about the nature of parental love?

  • Love evolves as children grow
  • Letting go is a form of love
  • Distance can exist without loss of love
• What phrase does the speaker use to describe his son in the poem?

  Hesitant figure
• What does the use of the object pronouns “you” and “your” imply in the poem?

  It indicates a direct address to the son, emphasizing the personal nature of the poem
• How does the subtitle ‘For Sean’ affect the interpretation of the poem?

  It makes the poem more intimate and suggests it is semi-autobiographical
• What does the phrase “eighteen years ago” suggest about the poem's focus?

  It suggests that the poem centers around reflection on the past
• What literary device is used when referring to “eighteen years ago”?

  Specific temporal deixis
• What theme does the phrase “touch-lines new-ruled” introduce in the poem?

  It introduces the theme of change and development
• How does the use of past tense in “watched” contribute to the poem's meaning?

  It highlights the reflective nature of the poem regarding the son's childhood
• What does the repetition of the word “away” signify in the poem?

  It highlights the theme of distance in the father-son relationship
• What contrast is suggested by the verbs “wrenched” and “drifting” in the poem?

  It suggests the father's reluctance to let go versus the son's readiness for independence
• What is the structure of the poem in terms of rhyme scheme?

  • The poem employs a consistent ABACA rhyming scheme
  • This stable structure contrasts with the theme of change and development
  • Reflects the stable nature of paternal love
• How do dashes function in the poem?

  Dashes add extra information and mirror shifts in time and setting
• What theme does the repetition of “away” in each stanza continue?

  The theme of separation and development in the father-son relationship
• What effect does direct address have in the poem?

  It engages the reader and helps them relate to familial relationships
• What literary device does Day-Lewis use to create vivid imagery?

  Similes
• How does Day-Lewis use naturalistic language in the poem?

  To reflect on the natural changes in the dynamic of relationships over time
• What does the comparison of the son to a “satellite” suggest?

  It suggests a sense of distance and separation in their relationship
• What does the lyrical style of the poem contribute to its overall effect?

  It enhances the vivid imagery of the speaker's pain and reflection
• How does the poet use seasonal change in the poem?

  To create a natural backdrop for the changes in the father-son relationship