Understanding the poem 'Climbing My Grandfather' by Andrew Waterhouse
I can explain how Waterhouse presents the multifaceted experience of reflecting upon memories of a loved one.
Understanding the poem 'Climbing My Grandfather' by Andrew Waterhouse
I can explain how Waterhouse presents the multifaceted experience of reflecting upon memories of a loved one.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The speaker of the poem is reminiscing about a childhood memory of climbing their grandfather’s body.
- The speaker initially feels safe and secure when reminiscing about his grandfather.
- The climb, and act of remembering, becomes increasingly difficult, risky and even dangerous.
- The grandfather is presented as an ambiguous figure, both comforting yet also mysterious.
- Waterhouse often wrote about the natural world and family relationships.
Common misconception
The speaker is actually climbing a mountain.
The speaker compares the experience of climbing up his Grandfather's body as a child to climbing up a mountain.
Keywords
Reminiscing - reflecting on past experiences with fondness
Memories - recollections of the past that shape our history and identity
Ambiguous - something that is open to interpretation because it could have multiple meanings
Multifaceted - having various aspects or layers
Reassuring - offering comfort, support or confidence to alleviate concerns
Equipment
You will need access to the poem 'Climbing My Grandfather' by Andrew Waterhouse. This can be found in the AQA Love and Relationships Poetry Anthology.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
how a poem is organised on the page
comparing things by finding similarities in their qualities
comparing two things using 'like' or 'as'
a poem that doesn't rhyme or have a regular rhythm
using language to create a vivid image in the reader's mind
the pace or 'beat' of a poem
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Reflecting on past experiences with fondness
Recollections of the past that shape our history & identity
Something that is unclear or open to interpretation
Having various aspects or layers
Offering comfort or support to alleviate concerns