Climbing my Grandfather

Purpose: This poem is written to explore Andrew Waterhouse's struggle to understand his grandfather. The poem ambiguously suggests that the grandfather may have died. 

Language Features

Extended Metaphor - The 'mountain' is an allegory that represents the lengths that the narrator must go to in order to understand his grandfather.

Climbing/Mountain terminology - "rope", "net", "traverse"

Monosyllabic final line is calming to listen to, suggesting that his journey is over; he now understands his grandfather's good heart and is at peace. 

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Structural Features

Enjambement represents the effort exerted by climbing. He may be stopping to notice new things, or having to stop for a moment to take it all in.

Unbroken stanza looks like a mountain, and shows the relentlessness of his journey. 

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Quotes

"Trying to get a grip" - Is…