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Year 10 - English

Analysing the poem 'Climbing My Grandfather' by Andrew Waterhouse

'Love and Relationships'

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupis explore 12 of the 15 poems from the 'Love and Relationships' anthology. Pupils complete two lessons about each poem: one on understanding and one on analysis. Pupils study the poems in four groups, and they pause after each group to compare how those poems present common themes.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to analyse how Waterhouse uses language and structure to convey the complexity of reminiscing about a lost loved one.

Key Notes

  • Waterhouse use an extended metaphor to compare climbing a mountain with reflecting upon the past.
  • Waterhouse uses imagery to convey the precarious and multifaceted nature of the climb and remembering a loved one.
  • Waterhouse juxtaposes the comfort derived from the 'grandfather memory' with the painful process of reminiscing.
  • Waterhouse uses imagery to create a peaceful and tranquil final image of the grandfather.
  • The single, unbroken stanza could reflect the unending process of grieving for a loved one.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Extended metaphor: the repeated use of the same metaphorical idea throughout a text
  • Ambivalent: experiencing conflicting emotions about something or someone
  • Precarious: a situation that is unstable, risky or dangerous
  • Juxtaposition: two contrasting ideas that appear next to each other
  • Stanza: a group of lines in a poem that function like a poetic paragraph

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Ambivalence means you do not care either way (similar to indifference).

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

Waterhouse use an extended metaphor to compare climbing a mountain with reflecting upon the past. Waterhouse uses imagery to convey the precarious and multifaceted nature of the climb and remembering a loved one.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'Extended metaphor'

the repeated use of the same metaphorical idea throughout a text.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Ambivalence means you do not care either way (similar to indifference). Correction: Ambivalence is when someone has mixed or conflicting feelings about something or someone.

More Lessons In This Unit

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