Photo AI
What kind of medal has the poet's Gramp got? Gramp's medal is a significant symbol in the poem - Junior Cycle English - Question A - 2008
Question A
What kind of medal has the poet's Gramp got? Gramp's medal is a significant symbol in the poem. It is mentioned that he has a medal with an image of a runner on the... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:What kind of medal has the poet's Gramp got? Gramp's medal is a significant symbol in the poem - Junior Cycle English - Question A - 2008
Step 1
Step 2
What are your favourite words or images from the poem?
Answer
Some favourite images from the poem include 'legs flying, chest out, breasting the tape'. These phrases effectively convey the grace and competitive spirit of running. They evoke a vivid picture of Gramp in his youthful days, sprinting towards the finish line, which contrasts beautifully with the later image of him shuffling down the passage. This juxtaposition captures the theme of nostalgia and the passage of time.
Step 3
Explain why they are your favourite.
Answer
These phrases resonate with me because they encapsulate a moment of triumph and vitality. The imagery of flying legs and the act of breasting the tape suggests freedom and exhilaration, emotions commonly associated with youth. In contrast, the poet’s reflection on Gramp’s current state, with a bent back, evokes a poignant sense of loss and the inevitable changes that come with aging. This depth of emotion and the vivid imagery combined make these phrases particularly impactful.
Step 4
From your reading of the poem, what kind of relationship did the poet's Gran and Gramp have?
Answer
The relationship between Gran and Gramp seems to be rooted in warmth and affectionate familiarity. There are hints of playfulness, as Gramp, despite his age, still enjoys the discussions about his past and even chuckles at the poet's inquiries. The gentle banter during the tea preparation portrays a relationship filled with respect, love, and shared memories, suggesting a deep connection that has developed over the years.
Step 5
The last line of the poem is: "But I couldn't". What couldn't the poet imagine and why couldn't he imagine it?
Answer
The poet couldn't imagine his grandfather running a race as he once did, with the vibrant energy described in his earlier years. This inability to envision Gramp in that youthful athletic capacity might stem from the visible signs of aging—the bent back and modified lifestyle—that starkly contrast the dynamic image of him as a runner. The moment encapsulates the inevitability of aging, prompting the poet's realization of how the passage of time alters our perceptions of those we admire.