Climbing my grandfather

• What is the genre of the poem "Climbing My Grandfather"?

  Semi-autobiographical

  
• What perspective is the poem "Climbing My Grandfather" written from?

  From the perspective of someone recounting childhood memories

  
• What extended metaphor is employed in "Climbing My Grandfather"?

  Mountaineering

  
• How does the poem reflect Andrew Waterhouse's interests?

  It reflects his keen interest in environmentalism
• What are the key themes in "Climbing My Grandfather"?

  • Childhood
  • Relationship between grandparent and child
  • Love
  • Familial connections

  
• What does the act of climbing symbolize in the poem?

  Getting to know his grandfather

  
• What does the speaker reflect on as he climbs his grandfather's body?

  His grandfather's shoes, hands, skin, and nails
• What does the speaker discover at his grandfather's shoulder?

  He rests for a while, reflecting on trust
• What does the phrase "without a rope or net" suggest about the speaker's feelings?

  It suggests familiarity and trust in his grandfather
• How does the present tense of "decide" affect the reader's perception?

  It presents the speaker as an active character
• What does the enjambment in the poem represent?

  The complex process of getting to know someone
• What does the description of the grandfather's "firm shoulder" imply?

  It implies respect and resilience
• What does the phrase "slowly open and close" refer to in the poem?

  The speaker watching his grandfather's pupil
• How does the poem's structure reflect its themes?

  It mirrors the theme of mountaineering and the child's perspective
• What does the use of oxymorons in the poem signify?

  The complex nature of memory and the grandson-grandfather bond
• How do "Climbing My Grandfather" and "Follower" compare in their use of extended metaphors?

  • Both use extended metaphors of extreme sports
  • "Climbing My Grandfather" uses climbing to reflect getting to know a relative
  • "Follower" uses sailing to reflect difficulties in staying close to a relative
• What are the similarities and differences between "Climbing My Grandfather" and "Mother Any Distance"?

  Similarities:

  • Both use extended metaphors
  • Both are in first-person narrative and present tense
  • Both have a loose structure

  
  

  Differences:

  • Different metaphors (climbing vs. measuring tape)
  • Different perspectives on childhood

  
• Who is the author of "Climbing My Grandfather"?

  Andrew Waterhouse
• What years did Andrew Waterhouse live?

  1958 - 2001
• What personal struggle did Andrew Waterhouse face?

  He struggled with mental illness
• What academic qualification did Andrew Waterhouse achieve related to his interests?

  He gained a master's in Environmental Science
• What does the imagery of "clouds and birds" suggest in the poem?

  It suggests a natural connection between the grandson and grandfather
• What does the phrase "the slow pulse of his good heart" imply about the grandfather?

  It implies a caring and nurturing nature
• How does the title "Climbing My Grandfather" encapsulate the poem's themes?

  It reflects the act of getting to know a family member

  
• What does the phrase "the wrinkles well-spaced and easy" suggest about the grandfather's age?

  It suggests wisdom and experience
• What does the phrase "the glassy ridge of a scar" symbolize in the poem?

  It symbolizes the grandfather's life experiences
• How does the poem's free verse structure contribute to its overall meaning?

  It reflects the natural flow of conversation and exploration
• What does the phrase "the child is starting his climb" imply about the speaker's development?

  It implies the beginning of self-discovery and independence
• What does the phrase "the child is gaining independence" suggest about the relationship between the grandson and grandfather?

  It suggests a balance of trust and independence