Study Notes on "Walking Away" by Cecil Day-Lewis

Brief Summary

The poem "Walking Away" by Cecil Day-Lewis features a father reflecting on the childhood of his son as the son leaves home.
It highlights the evolving dynamics of their father-son relationship, especially with the background of physical separation due to the son attending school.

The father recalls a significant day, eighteen years ago, when his son played his first football game at school.
He reflects on the first day of term when his son would walk away from him, using natural imagery to convey that it is a normal part of growing up.
The father grapples with his feelings toward their relationship, possibly regretting sending his son to boarding school at such a young age.

Cecil Day-Lewis (1904 - 1972): A prominent poet, Poet Laureate until his death, who had a challenging childhood, being raised by his father after his mother died. This likely influenced the themes of father-son relationships in his poetry.
Sean Day-Lewis: The poem is thought to be about his first son, Sean, who attended boarding school from the age of seven, impacting their relationship. The original poem is subtitled "for Sean," indicating a personal element.

The poem is semi-autobiographical, characterized by direct address. The distant relationship between father and son is evident, compounded by Sean's early boarding school experience. Day-Lewis hints at his regret over not being closer to his son.

Independence: The theme addresses the son’s growing autonomy as he transitions into adulthood.
Aging: Reflects on time's passage and its impact on relationships.
Reflection: The father’s introspections reveal deep emotional connections and regrets.
Childhood and Memory: The reflective nature of childhood memories shapes their present relationship.
Father-Child Relationship: Explores themes of love, distance, paternal bonds, and their evolution over time.

The title serves as both an action and a metaphor for growth and separation in a familial context.

Temporal Deixis: Specific references to time emphasize the significant memories and experiences. Example: "eighteen years ago" establishes a reflective framework.
Contrasting Verbs: "Wrenched" vs "drifting" illustrate the father’s reluctance versus the son’s readiness for independence.
Imagery: The father views his son as a “half-fledged thing,” implying the son's fragile preparedness for independence.
Pathos: The portrayal evokes empathy; the son appears vulnerable and caught in between childhood and adulthood.
Natural Imagery: Comparisons like "winged seed loosened from its parent stem" reflect on how children grow and develop away from parental control.
Symbolism: The "clay" discusses the formative influences of home and institutions, shaping identities during childhood.

The father's emotional pain over the separation is complex and ambiguous, suggesting both regret and an acceptance of change.
The description of this pain is described as "gnaws," conveying a raw, animalistic sadness that emphasizes depth of feeling.

The final stanzas carry a reflective tone, addressing the inevitability of letting go as part of love.
The phrase “selfhood begins with a walking away” indicates a philosophical acceptance that maturity necessitates separation.
The poem closes with a religious implication, suggesting divinely ordained understanding and connection.

The poem is presented from the first-person perspective of the father, who reflects thoughtfully on his relationship with his son.
Vocabulary usage shifts between direct address and contemplation, illustrating the evolving dynamic of the relationship.

The poem's opening lines emphasize a focus on time and memory, underscoring the reflection theme.
Past Tense Usage: Highlights the retrospective nature of the poem. Phrases such as "watched you play" evoke a sense of nostalgia.

Rhyme Scheme: The poem employs an ABACA pattern, reflecting stability amidst change.
Dashes: Used throughout to add descriptive richness, mirroring seasonal and time shifts in the poem.

Repetition: The word "away" is consistently repeated, enhancing themes of separation.
Direct Address: Utilizes pronouns such as "you" and "your" to engage readers in the familial intimacy.
Similes: Vivid comparisons (e.g., “like a satellite”) frame complex feelings of vulnerability and independence.
Lyrical Quality: Adverbs and adjectives contribute to a poignant emotional expression, enhancing relatability.

The incorporation of seasonal references metaphorically links the relationship's evolution with the natural world. The transition in seasons parallels emotional growth and separation.

Both use direct address and indirect references, underlining turbulent relationships.

Similarities:
- Exploration of letting children move towards adulthood.
- Use of caesura to emphasize past vs. present.
- Hopeful reflections concluding repeated love.
Differences:
- Subject Specificity: WA is directly about Sean; MAD’s relationship dynamic is more ambiguous.
- Imagery: WA utilizes biblical references absent in MAD.

Similarities:
- Both lack a stable form, showcasing fluid familial and romantic relationships.
- Enjambment utilized to reflect changing connections.
Differences:
- Focus varies: WA on paternal relationships, WS on romantic entanglements.
- Classical techniques in WS contrast with the contemporary voice in WA.