The document discusses the poem "Lines to my Grandfathers" by Tony Harrison and provides discussion questions about the imagery, language, structure, and themes conveyed in the poem. It asks students to analyze how Harrison uses lines as imagery to represent family connections and how he presents ideas about relationships between family members through his use of language and imagery. It also prompts students to consider what is suggested by references to a "pilgrim Grandson" and the use of the word "grace" in the poem.

1. Lines to my Grandfathers
Tony Harrison (page 16)
Aim: Can I explore the ways in which Harrison conveys thoughts
and feelings about his Grandfathers through the use of structure,
language and form?
Ploughed parallel as print the stony earth.
The straight stone walls defy the steep grey slopes.
Starter:
What kind place is described here?
How is this image created?

2. 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?

3. Imagery
 Highlight all the references to lines.
 What do you think is their significance?
 How are lines used to represent connections within a
family?

4. 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)