Walking Away by Cecil Day-Lewis: Key Concepts and Terms

This flashcard set contains key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the poem 'Walking Away' by Cecil Day-Lewis, focusing on its themes, literary devices, and author background.

Cecil Day-Lewis

Poet Laureate from 1968 until his death in 1972, known for exploring the father-son relationship in his poetry.

Semi-autobiographical

A literary work that incorporates autobiographical elements blended with fictional narratives.

Pathetic fallacy

A literary device that attributes human emotions or traits to nature or inanimate objects, often reflecting the character’s feelings.

Temporal deixis

Words or phrases that indicate time, emphasizing specific moments in relation to the speaker's perspective.

Independence

The state of being free from control or influence, a key theme in 'Walking Away' as it relates to the son's growth.

Pathos

A quality that evokes pity or sadness, often used in literature to generate emotional responses.

Fricative consonants

Consonant sounds produced by forcing air through a narrow channel, used in the poem to create a sense of flight.

Reflective tone

A tone that conveys contemplation and introspection, particularly regarding personal experiences or emotions.

Enjambment

The continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line or stanza in poetry.

Natural imagery

Descriptive language related to nature, used in the poem to symbolize growth and change in relationships.