Questions for "Those Winter Sundays"-

Writing in complete sentences and using textual evidence for support, complete the following questions.

1. Why did Hayden's father get up early on Sunday mornings?

2. Why did his father's hands ache?

3. What does the first stanza reveal about Hayden's father's dedication to his family? This poem is very metaphoric. Let's look closely at what some of these metaphors might mean.

4. When he says that he could "hear the cold splintering, breaking", what does he mean? Think about the metaphor here.

5. What does Hayden mean when he refers to the chronic angers of his house? Again, this is about a metaphor. For what is this is a metaphor?

6. What does the metaphor "love's austere and lonely offices" mean? Consider that 'love' is being personified. These last three questions are more reflective in nature. I'm looking for some thought full responses.

7. How do you think Hayden eventually learned about "love's austere and lonely offices"?

8. Why do you think some young people are unable to appreciate the sacrifices their parents make for them?

9. Why do you think young people sometimes have a difficult time communicating with their parents?