A Child to his Sick Grandfather
Edexcel GCSE English Literature revision on A Child to his Sick Grandfather. Aligned to the Edexcel GCSE English Literature 1ET0 specification. This bank has 15 practice questions on this topic.
Sample questions (3 of 15)
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Question 1
Who says: 'Dear grandpapa, you’re sick today'?
- A) The Grandfather
- B) The Child
- C) The Narrator
- D) The Doctor
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Answer: The Child
The poem is a dramatic monologue written from the perspective of a young child speaking to an elderly relative. The opening line establishes this persona immediately.
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Question 2
What literary technique does the writer use in: 'And all your hair is silver-white'?
- A) Metaphor
- B) Simile
- C) Personification
- D) Hyperbole
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Answer: Metaphor
By comparing the colour of the hair to silver, the poet uses a metaphor to signify both the physical reality of greying hair and the value associated with old age and wisdom.
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Question 3
What does this line reveal about the Grandfather: 'But you shall be well again, I know'?
- A) He is recovering rapidly
- B) He is in denial about his death
- C) He is viewed through the innocent optimism of a child
- D) He is angry at the child's interference
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Answer: He is viewed through the innocent optimism of a child
The child possesses a naive, hopeful outlook on life, which contrasts with the likely reality of the grandfather's deteriorating health. It highlights the protective, loving relationship between the two.
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