Understanding the poem 'Climbing My Grandfather' by Andrew Waterhouse | English

Starter quiz

What is autobiographical writing?

when someone writes about their own life ✓

when someone writes about the life of a fictional character

when someone writes about someone else's life
What is context?

the deeper meanings in a text

the background information that we need to understand a text ✓

the text itself

a group of similar texts

the skills we use to analyse a text
Match each of the poetry terms to the correct definition.

Structure

⇔

how a poem is organised on the page ✓

Metaphor

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comparing things by finding similarities in their qualities ✓

Simile

⇔

comparing two things using 'like' or 'as' ✓

Free verse

⇔

a poem that doesn't rhyme or have a regular rhythm ✓

Imagery

⇔

using language to create a vivid image in the reader's mind ✓

Rhythm

⇔

the pace or 'beat' of a poem ✓
Below are the steps you should take when analysing a poem for the first time. Starting with the first, put them in chronological order.

1

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Read through the poem and form an initial idea of what you think it is about.

2

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Highlight key words or language techniques you spot.

3

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Re-read the analysis question and select some relevant key quotes from the poem.

4

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Make a brief plan to ensure your response has a clear and logical strructure.

5

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Write an overview, summing up your answer to the analysis question.

6

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Write your analysis paragraphs, exploring how the writer uses language.

7

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Read your response carefully after writing, checking for any inaccuracies.
Select the two missing answers below to complete this sentence: It's important to consider the mood and emotive tone of a poem because ______ and ______.

it helps you to understand the poet's message ✓

it helps you to find language techniques

it helps you to work out the rhythm

it helps you to decide whether or not you like the poem

it helps you to decide which poem(s) you could compare it to in your exam ✓
Which of these words means 'fond memories of the past'?

propaganda

naivety

grieving

nostalgia ✓

recollection

Exit quiz

The poet of 'Climbing My Grandfather', Andrew Waterhouse, was a passionate...

mountain climber

environmental campaigner ✓

social worker
What is the poem 'Climbing My Grandfather' about?

Someone who climbs a mountain named after their grandfather.

Someone reminiscing about climbing up their grandfather's body as a child. ✓

Someone who climbs a mountain to sprinkle their grandfather's ashes.

Someone climbing the stairs to say goodnight to their grandfather.

Someone who is climbing a ladder that used to belong to their grandfather.
Match up each of these words to the correct definition.

Reminiscing

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Reflecting on past experiences with fondness ✓

Memories

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Recollections of the past that shape our history & identity ✓

Ambiguous

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Something that is unclear or open to interpretation ✓

Multifaceted

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Having various aspects or layers ✓

Reassuring

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Offering comfort or support to alleviate concerns ✓
Starting with the first, put the journey of 'Climbing My Grandfather' in chronological order.

1

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The speaker feels safe and secure.

2

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The speaker's climb becomes more difficult and dangerous.

3

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The speaker reaches the summit (top) feeling exhausted yet triumphant.
In 'Climbing My Grandfather', which of these quotations presents the grandfather as a mysterious figure?

"the slow pulse of his good heart"

"the glassy ridge of a scar" ✓

"the wrinkles well-spaced and easy"
In 'Climbing My Grandfather', which of these quotations presents the grandfather as a reassuring figure?

"climbing has its dangers"

"a smiling mouth" ✓

"earth-stained hand"

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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