Mother, Any Distance

Question 1

Structure -
The sonnet

Answer 1

form may reflect the loving and supportive relationship between a mother and son. The poem starts as a formal sonnet but gradually dissolves into free verse, without rhyme
and uneven line length which portrays the speaker’s movement towards independence and freedom

Question 2

Tone -
* Affectionate

Answer 2

tone towards his mother
* Sense of uncertainty
* Excited about future opportunities

Question 3

“fall or fly”

Answer 3

• The boy is reaching adulthood, where it is time for him to make his own decisions without his mother’s aid.

Question 4

“breaking point

Answer 4

• This can be extended beyond the situation of the measuring tape to mean a breaking point in their relationship, picking up the idea of the him trying to strain away while she is clinging on…

Question 5

Themes =

Answer 5

Parent and child relationship.
Growing up.
Sense of place.
Independence/freedom.

Question 6

Metaphors
‘Anchor’ -

Answer 6

keeps a boat secure, which is how he feels about his mum

Question 7

‘Kite’ -

Answer 7

He is flying, while she keeps hold of him on the ground.
Hint of him trying to get away - mother being too possessive?

Question 8

What does the poem describe?

Answer 8

The poem describes the speaker’s memory of how his mother helped him take measurements for furnishing his new house.

Question 9

What is the whole poem?

Answer 9

The whole poem is an extended metaphor for the speaker’s relationship with his mother.