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From your reading of this poem what impression do you form of both parents? Support your answer with reference to the poem - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2014
Question 1
From your reading of this poem what impression do you form of both parents? Support your answer with reference to the poem. In this poem the poet writes about retu... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:From your reading of this poem what impression do you form of both parents? Support your answer with reference to the poem - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2014
Step 1
What impression do you form of the parents?
Answer
The impressions of the parents depicted in the poem reveal a rich and layered understanding of their character and relationship with the speaker.
Mother
The description of the mother highlights her awkwardness and the evolving nature of her affection. The line, "My mother’s hug is awkward," suggests a distance that has developed over time, transforming from a nurturing embrace to a hesitant gesture. This indicates a change in their relationship as the speaker has grown older. Additionally, the imagery of her kneading dough portrays her as a hardworking figure, deeply engaged in domestic life. The action of dusting flour off her cheeks is symbolic; it captures not only her laborious role but also reflects the passage of time, signaling the wrinkles that come with age.
Father
In contrast, the father is depicted through imagery that emphasizes his connection to nature and physical labor. Descriptions such as "Dad still goes and soaks himself in the rain" and "his hair is wild" frame him as rugged and untamed, dedicated to his work outside. His engagement with the earth and seasonal cycles signifies a constant, perhaps unchanging, presence amidst the changes in the family dynamic. The metaphor of him working with the hedges that "reappear every Winter" portrays a sense of routine and resilience in the face of time's relentless march.
Conclusion
Together, these impressions forge a narrative that speaks to the dynamics of family relationships. There is warmth in their routines and struggles, but also a poignant sense of loss as the speaker observes the physical manifestations of aging and change.