Figurative Language
What is the meaning of the simile "Like a learning child"?
It suggests that the grandmother is fragile and unsteady, similar to a small child who is still learning to walk.
What does "swathed" mean in the poem?
"Swathed" means wrapped or covered.
What is the relationship between the narrator and the grandmother?
The narrator is the granddaughter of the grandmother.
How old is the grandmother?
80 years old
Identify a simile in the poem and explain what it compares.
"Her wet head felt delicate as a birdskull" – It compares the grandmother’s head to a fragile bird’s skull, emphasizing her frailty.
What does the word "cupfuls" mean in the line "I would pour warm cupfuls over her skull"?
"Cupfuls" refers to small amounts of water measured by a cup.
How does the narrator show care for the grandmother?
She gently washes her grandmother’s hair and observes details about her, showing love and attention.
What does the grandmother do with her hearing aid before washing her hair?
She turns it off.
What type of figurative language is used in "Worn thin by waves of age"?
This is a metaphor comparing the effects of aging to waves eroding something over time.
What does "deaf head with eighty years of life" suggest about the grandmother?
It suggests that she is old and has lost her hearing due to age.
What does the act of washing hair symbolize in their relationship?
It symbolizes love, care, and the reversal of roles, as the granddaughter now takes care of the grandmother.
What does the grandmother use to help her walk?
A walking frame
Why does the poet compare the grandmother’s hair to "wedding dress silk on a widow"?
The poet uses this simile to highlight both the softness of the grandmother’s hair and the sorrow or loss associated with old age.
What is the meaning of "chestnut" in "That I imagine chestnut from the black and white"?
It suggests that the grandmother’s hair was likely brown (chestnut color) when she was young, even though the old photograph is black and white.
How does the poet use sensory details to show the connection between the narrator and her grandmother?
The poet describes touch (soft hair), sight (photo, chestnut color), and sound (turning off hearing aid) to create a deep, intimate picture of their bond.
What does the narrator imagine when looking at the old photo of the grandmother?
She imagines that her grandmother’s hair was chestnut-colored when she was young.