1. What is the speaker hoping for in the first stanza? 2. What do the couple test in the second stanza? 3. What does the skater going for gold attempt to do? 4. What does the speaker say that they will become content with? 5. What will the couple begin to notice? 6. What does the speaker hope for at the end of the poem?
Explore 3 3
1. In your opinion, does the poem effectively capture a loving relationship? Explain your answer.
2. What do the ‘creeping cracks’ in the fourth stanza represent, in your opinion?
3. Do you think the metaphor of ice-skating works well in this poem? Give two reasons for your answer.
4. Can you recognise any other poetic devices in this poem? (a) Give an example of one other device the poet uses. (b) How does this device contribute to the overall poem?
5. ‘“The Thickness of Ice” is a hopeful poem about a failed relationship.’ Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Explain your answer.
Create
1. The poem is divided into three separate sections: ‘At first’, ‘Later’ and ‘Last of all’. Imagine you are the poet. Write three tweets summarising how the poet felt at each stage. Remember, a tweet can be no longer than 280 characters.
2. In pairs, think of another metaphor that could be used to describe a broken relationship. Then work together to write one verse of a poem using the metaphor you have created.
