Mother any distance analysis
Mother any distance
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Written by Simon Armitage, who is a modern poet.
In the form of a dramatic monologue.
The poem metaphor is a mother and child relationship.
A child breaking free from his parents but doesn’t want to cause pain and
suffering.
Uses an universal theme. (applies to anyone of any age)
Teaches the reader about the difficulties of growing up.
Creates vivid images in the readers mind.
Stanza 1
Armitage uses enjambement – makes the poem flow, suggests that someone is
naturally talking.
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“Mother, any distance greater than a single span requires a second pair of
hands”
This suggests that the son has a task to do, he needs a second pair of hands, his
mother, to help him succeed in life. The son is dependant on his mother, as he
has left home and he is starting a new life / era.
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Armitage uses measurement words to create imagery in the readers mind.
“acres” – implies there is lots of space, a small person is now in a big place – the
world, on his own. Isolated / alone.
Stanza 2.
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Mother and child are both holding the tape measure – the mother is at
one end, the child at the other, they are holding onto each other and their
relationship.
“You at the zero – end, me with the spool of tape, recording length”
Suggests the son is walking away from home, then returning.
The mother is decribed as the “base” – The home.
Son is returning home, then going away.
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The tape measure is representing the relationship & bond between them.
The mother is the “anchor” -
Mother any distance analysis
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Stable
Supportive
Holding onto the kite.
The kite is the son  Going away / flying
 Maybe in danger
 Anything could happen.
Stanza 3.
New space – empty bedrooms.
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The son is going to the top of the house – still holding the tape measure to
breaking point – suggests a time of decision in his life.
“I space-walk through the empty bedrooms, climb the ladder to the loft, to
breaking point, where something has to give;”
The son takes the extra step – he breaks away from the tape measure & his
mother – is now free & an independent person.