walking away by Cecil day-lewis

What is ‘walking away’ about?

1. A father remembers watching his son play football and the uncertainty he felt as his son became more independent

What is the main thesis of ‘walking away’

2. Distance is needed as parent-child relationships grow and change.

What is the context of ‘walking away’

It is autobiographical and was written about Day-Lewis’s son.

What does “eighteen years ago” emphasise?

4. The specific time shows how important this memory was and the lasting impact it has had on the father.

What does “the leaves just turning” symbolise?

Autumn and change, reflecting the transition happening in his life

What technique is used in “Like a satellite”? And what does it show?

6. A simile. (Negative). A satellite isn’t meant to fall out or drift from its orbit. Hints at his son being helpless and in danger,

What does the satellite image suggest?

The son is moving away from the father and becoming independent.

What does “wrenched” suggest?

The separation is sudden and painful, and the father feels powerless to stop it.

What does the satellite metaphor suggest about the father?

He is no longer the centre of his son’s life.

What technique is used in “Like a winged seed”?

A natural image/metaphor.

What does the “winged seed” suggest?

Children naturally separate from their parents and become independent.

Why is “loosened” significant?

It makes the separation seem natural and less painful, suggesting the father is beginning to accept it.

How does the poem present parent-child relationships?

As relationships that naturally change as children grow and become independent.