Grandfather

'Grandfather' Summary

"Grandfather" by Derek Mahon is a heartfelt and reflective poem where the poet looks back on the life and personality of his grandfather.

The poem begins with the image of the grandfather being brought home on a stretcher, indicating that he has been through some hardships. Despite being "wounded", he is described as "humorous", showing that he maintains a positive outlook even in tough times. This opening sets the tone for the rest of the poem, presenting the grandfather as a resilient and enduring character.

Mahon then takes us through the grandfather's daily routine. He wakes up early, even on cold mornings, and is always busy with tasks like working with a block of wood or a box of nails. The phrase "discreetly up to no good" adds a playful tone, suggesting that the grandfather has a mischievous side and enjoys keeping himself occupied with small projects around the house.

The poem highlights the grandfather's physical presence in the household. His boots make a "thumping" sound as he walks through the hall, a noise that signals his approach. The line "And in he comes, as cute as they come" shows the affection the poet has for his grandfather, appreciating his enduring charm and shrewdness.

As the day comes to an end, the grandfather has a nightly routine. He makes sure everything is secure, bolting the door and setting the clock, demonstrating his sense of responsibility and care for his household. This routine also symbolises his effort to control what he can against the uncertainties of life.

The poem concludes with a sombre reflection on the grandfather's eventual passing. The phrase "then his light goes out" signifies his death, likening his life to a light that has been extinguished. The final line, "Nothing escapes him; he escapes us all", poignantly captures the inevitability of death and the lasting impact the grandfather has had on those around him. Despite his passing, his memory and influence remain strong.

"Grandfather" by Derek Mahon is a touching portrayal of the poet's grandfather, celebrating his resilience, character, and the simple routines that defined his life. The poem combines affection with a sense of loss, painting a vivid picture of a man who, despite life's challenges, remained a strong and enduring presence.

---

Themes Analysis

---

Family and Memory:

One of the central themes in "Grandfather" is the bond of family and the power of memory. The entire poem is a recollection of the poet's memories of his grandfather, highlighting the close relationship they shared.

Quote: "Grandfather" (title)

---

The title itself immediately establishes the familial connection. Throughout the poem, Mahon details the routines and habits of his grandfather, which underscores the personal and intimate knowledge he has of him. This theme is significant as it shows how family relationships and memories of loved ones shape our identities and provide us with a sense of continuity and belonging.

---

Resilience and Humour:

Another key theme is the resilience and enduring humour of the grandfather, despite the challenges he has faced.

Quote: "They brought him in on a stretcher from the world, / Wounded but humorous; and he soon recovered."

This quote illustrates the grandfather's ability to maintain a positive attitude even after being "wounded" by life's difficulties. His humour and resilience are central to his character and are portrayed throughout the poem as defining qualities. This theme is developed by showing the grandfather's daily activities and routines, which reflect his determination and cheerful disposition. The significance of this theme lies in its message about the strength of the human spirit and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook in the face of adversity.

---

Mystery and Intrigue:

The theme of mystery and intrigue runs through the poem, highlighting the grandfather's somewhat secretive and enigmatic nature.

Quote: "Even on cold / Mornings he is up at six with a block of wood / or a box of nails, discreetly up to no good."

This quote suggests that there are aspects of the grandfather's life and personality that remain unknown, even to his close family. The word "discreetly" implies that he has a private side that he keeps to himself, adding a layer of intrigue to his character. This theme is developed by the poet's observations of the grandfather's early morning activities and his meticulous nightly routine. The significance of this theme is that it reflects the complexity of human beings and the idea that everyone has a private inner life that is not fully accessible to others.

---

Mortality and Legacy:

The theme of mortality and the legacy left behind by the grandfather is poignantly addressed in the poem.

Quote: "Nothing escapes him; he escapes us all."

This final line highlights the inevitability of death and the lasting impact the grandfather has on those he leaves behind. The phrase "he escapes us all" underscores the sense of loss and the enduring influence of the grandfather's life. This theme is developed through the poem's reflective tone and the detailed recounting of the grandfather's routines, which symbolise the lasting impressions he leaves.

---

Imagery Analysis

---

The Stretcher:

The poem opens with a vivid image of the grandfather being brought in on a stretcher, which immediately sets the tone for the portrayal of his character.

Quote: "They brought him in on a stretcher from the world, / Wounded but humorous; and he soon recovered."

This image of the stretcher suggests that the grandfather has experienced significant hardships ("wounded") but has maintained a positive outlook ("humorous"). The stretcher symbolises the physical and emotional burdens he has carried throughout his life. The significance of this image lies in its introduction of the grandfather as a resilient and enduring figure, setting up the themes of resilience and humour.

---

The Boiler-Rooms:

The poet describes the industrial landscape that the grandfather is connected to, using the image of boiler rooms and gantries.

Quote: "Boiler-rooms, row upon row of gantries rolled / Away to reveal the landscape of a childhood / Only he can recapture."

This industrial imagery reflects the grandfather's past and possibly his work environment, suggesting a life of labour and toil. The "landscape of a childhood" indicates that these memories are deeply ingrained in him, shaping his identity. The significance of this image is in its contrast between the harshness of industrial life and the personal, nostalgic recollections it evokes, highlighting the grandfather's deep connection to his past.

---

Thumping Boots:

The sound imagery in the poem brings the grandfather's presence to life through the description of his boots.

Quote: "You hear his great boots thumping in the hall / And in he comes, as cute as they come."

The onomatopoeic "thumping" of his boots emphasises the grandfather's physical presence and routine. It creates a strong auditory image that makes the reader almost hear his approach. The significance of this image is that it reinforces his robust and active nature, making him a vivid and dynamic figure in the poet's memory.

---

The Final Light:

The concluding image in the poem is a poignant metaphor for the grandfather's death.

Quote: "Nothing escapes him; he escapes us all."

This metaphor of the light going out signifies the end of the grandfather's life. It is a powerful image that encapsulates the themes of mortality and legacy. The significance of this image is its ability to convey the finality of death while also highlighting the enduring impact the grandfather has on those left behind.

---

Style Analysis

---

Contrast:

One of the most prominent stylistic features in "Grandfather" is the use of contrast. Mahon juxtaposes the grandfather's physical state with his enduring spirit.

Quote: "They brought him in on a stretcher from the world, / Wounded but humorous; and he soon recovered."

The contrast between "wounded" and "humorous" highlights the resilience of the grandfather. Despite his injuries, he maintains a positive outlook. This contrast emphasises the strength of his character and sets a tone of admiration and respect. It underscores the theme of resilience by showing that hardships do not diminish the grandfather's spirit.

---

Symbolism:

Symbolism is used effectively to deepen the poem's meaning and emotional resonance.

Quote: "Then his light goes out."

Here, the "light" symbolises life. The phrase "his light goes out" is a metaphor for death, capturing the finality of the grandfather's passing. This symbolism adds a layer of poignancy to the poem, highlighting the inevitability of death and the lasting impact the grandfather leaves behind. It brings a sense of closure while also emphasising the theme of mortality.

---

Onomatopoeia:

Onomatopoeic words are employed to bring the grandfather's presence to life through sound.

Quote: "His great boots thumping in the hall"

The word "thumping" creates a strong auditory image, emphasising the physical presence and routine of the grandfather. This use of onomatopoeia adds dynamism to the poem, making the grandfather's activities more immediate and tangible. It enhances the reader's engagement by appealing to the sense of hearing.

---

Language Analysis

---

Colloquial Language:

Mahon uses colloquial language to convey familiarity and affection, making the poem more relatable and intimate.

Quote: "And in he comes, as cute as they come."

The informal phrase "as cute as they come" adds a warm, affectionate quality to the poem. This use of colloquial language makes the grandfather's character more vivid and relatable. It also contrasts with the more formal elements of the poem, creating a balance that enhances the overall emotional impact.

---

Assonance and Alliteration:

Mahon's use of assonance and alliteration enhances the musical quality of the poem.

Quote: "Row upon row of gantries rolled"

The repetition of the 'o' sound in "row upon row" and the 'r' sound in "gantries rolled" creates a rhythmic flow. This musicality adds to the poem's aesthetic appeal and makes it more memorable. The rhythmic quality also mirrors the regularity and routine of the grandfather's life, reinforcing the themes of order and diligence.

---

Reflective Tone:

The poem is imbued with a reflective and contemplative tone, as Mahon looks back on his grandfather's life and habits.

Quote: "Nothing escapes him; he escapes us all."

The reflective tone is evident in the way Mahon reminisces about his grandfather's routines and character. This tone allows readers to connect emotionally with the poet's memories and the underlying themes of the poem. It invites readers to reflect on their own relationships and the passage of time, making the poem's impact more personal and profound.

---

Summary of Key Elements

---

Key Theme:

The central theme of the poem is the resilience and enduring spirit of the poet's grandfather. This illustrates how the grandfather remains positive and strong despite life's challenges.

Quote: "Wounded but humorous; and he soon recovered."

---

Key Image:

The most striking image is the grandfather being brought in on a stretcher. This image captures his past hardships and enduring humour.

Quote: "They brought him in on a stretcher from the world, / Wounded but humorous."

---

Key Stylistic Device:

Symbolism is used effectively to convey deeper meanings, particularly regarding mortality. This symbolises the grandfather's death, portraying it as a natural and peaceful transition.

Quote: "Then his light goes out."

---

Key Language Device:

Colloquial language adds warmth and familiarity to the poem. This informal phrase reflects the poet's affection and the grandfather's charming nature.

Quote: "And in he comes, as cute as they come."

---

Key Quotes from "Grandfather" by Derek Mahon

1. "They brought him in on a stretcher from the world, /Wounded but humorous; and he soon recovered."
2. "Even on cold / Mornings, he is up at six with a block of wood / or a box of nails, discreetly up to no good."
3. "You hear his great boots thumping in the hall."
4. "And in he comes, as cute as they come."
5. "Each night / His shrewd eyes bolt the door and set the clock / Against the future, then his light goes out."
6. "Then his light goes out."
7. "Nothing escapes him; he escapes us all."

---

Summary Table for "Grandfather" by Derek Mahon

Element	Details	Supporting Quotes
Themes	Resilience and Humour: The grandfather remains positive despite challenges.	"Wounded but humorous; and he soon recovered."
	Mortality and Legacy: Reflect on the inevitability of death and the lasting impact of the grandfather.	"Nothing escapes him; he escapes us all."
	Family and Memory: Highlights the close relationship and the poet's memories of his grandfather.	"And in he comes, as cute as they come."
Images	Stretcher: Depicts the grandfather's past hardships and enduring spirit.	"They brought him in on a stretcher from the world, / Wounded but humorous."
	Thumping Boots: Emphasises the physical presence and routine of the grandfather.	"You hear his great boots thumping in the hall."
Stylistic Devices	Symbolism: Uses light to symbolise life and death.	"Then his light goes out."
	Contrast: Highlights resilience through opposing elements.	"Wounded but humorous."
Language Devices	Colloquial Language: Creates familiarity and warmth.	"And in he comes, as cute as they come."
	Reflective Tone: Invites personal and emotional reflection.	"Nothing escapes him; he escapes us all."