Walking Away

Question 1

“Leaves just turning”

Answer 1

(Declarative)
Change in season from summer to autumn also presents a change in relationship between father and son

Question 2

“Like a satellite wrenched from its orbit…drifting”

Answer 2

(Simile)
The father is the earth and the son the satellite and he is breaking away. But, the verb, “wrenched” suggests the separation is forced and painful
“Drifting” suggests the son is uncertain and nervous for this change

Question 3

“Into the wilderness”

Answer 3

(Metaphor)
Conveys the idea that the son is going to a hostile place and his son isn’t ready. The father doesn’t want his son to be harmed but wants to keep him safe

Question 4

“Path where the path should be”

Answer 4

(Repetition)
Highlights the fathers desperation for his son to follow the right path, he only wants the best for him

Question 5

“Like a winged loosened from its parent stem”

Answer 5

(Simile)
Contrasts with the satellite simile in stanza one. Father is reflecting on separation and realises it’s natural. “Loosened” is far less pain fall than “wrenched”
The separation isn’t as painful as it was, and the father is learning the accept this change

Question 6

“Selfhood begins with a walking away”

Answer 6

Structurally, this is positioned at the end of the poem for more emphasis on the message. You should love by letting go as if you don’t, you’d restrict your child’s development