Climbing my Grandfather

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

  It is semi-autobiographical.
• What perspective does the speaker use in "Climbing My Grandfather"?

  From childhood memories of his grandfather.
• What extended metaphor is employed in the poem?

  Mountaineering reflects getting to know his grandfather.
• What is a key theme in "Climbing My Grandfather"?

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

  Andrew Waterhouse
• What does the speaker start climbing in the poem?

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

  His journey and the grandfather's good heart.
• What does the adjective "cracked" suggest about the grandfather's shoes?

  It suggests a level of disconnect.
• What does the phrase "without a rope or net" imply in the poem?

  There is an element of risk in knowing his grandfather.
• How does the present tense of "decide" affect the poem?

  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 term "enjambment" refer to in poetry?

  Lines that continue without a pause.
• What does the metaphor of climbing suggest about the grandfather?

  He is monumental and complex to know.
• What do the oxymorons "warm ice" and "easy scramble" illustrate?

  The complex nature of memory and relationships.
• What are the key themes in "Climbing My Grandfather"?

  • Childhood
  • Relationship between grandparent and child
  • Love
  • Familial connections
• How does "Climbing My Grandfather" compare to "Follower"?

  Similarities:

  • Theme of idolizing a family member
  • Extended metaphor of extreme sports

  
  

  Differences:

  • Structure: free verse vs. ABAB rhyme scheme
  • Perspective: present tense vs. reflective
• How does "Climbing My Grandfather" compare to "Mother Any Distance"?

  Similarities:

  • Use of extended metaphor
  • First person narrative in present tense
  • Loose structure

  
  

  Differences:

  • Different metaphors: climbing vs. measuring tape
• What does the phrase "the slow pulse of his good heart" suggest?

  It indicates a caring relationship.
• What does the imagery of "clouds and birds" represent in the poem?

  A connection to nature and freedom.
• What does the structure of the poem reflect about the speaker's memories?

  It mirrors the daunting journey of climbing.
• How does the speaker's admiration for his grandfather manifest in the poem?

  Through the careful and respectful climbing imagery.
• What does the term "semantic field" refer to in the context of the poem?

  A set of related words and themes.
• What does the phrase "the wrinkles well-spaced and easy" imply about the grandfather?

  It suggests intentionality and wisdom.
• How does the poem's title "Climbing My Grandfather" contribute to its meaning?

  It emphasizes the personal journey of understanding.