Lines to my Grandfathers

Tony Harrison (page 16)

Ploughed parallel as print the stony earth.

The straight stone walls defy the steep grey slopes.

Aim: Can I explore the ways in which Harrison conveys thoughts and feelings about his Grandfathers through the use of structure, language and form?

Starter:

What kind place is described here?

How is this image created?

Ideas

What is suggested by the ‘pilgrim Grandson’?

What is implied by ‘grace’?

What attitude to women is suggested?

Why has Harrison placed the words “‘to make comparisons’” in inverted

commas

What is implied by line 16?

Imagery

Highlight all the references to lines.

What do you think is their significance?

How are lines used to represent connections within a

family?

Language

How does the poet use language and the imagery to present ideas about

relationships between the various members of his family?

(Also think about structure)