GCSE English Literature Revision Resources 2017 Poetry
Talking about Poetry You have to be able to pick out these features and analyse what they make the reader feel/see/hear/imagine/understand. TALKING ABOUT THE LANGUAGE (WORDS) IN A POEM Poetic Feature What is it? To get grade 5-9, what can you say? Emotive language Words which make the reader have This helps the reader to feel a strong feeling. Alliteration Repeating a sound/letter at the This draws the reader s attention to start of words (Peter Piper picked the words a peck of pickled peppers) This emphasises Repetition Repeating an important word or This makes the point phrase. The reader understands/feels Sibilance Repeating the s sound at the start of words (She sell sea shells) Juxtaposition Two opposite ideas. This emphasises the difference between Oxymoron Two opposite ideas which do not go together (Loving hate!) This creates a sense of confusion and the reader learns Onomatopoeia A word which is written as it sounds (Bang! Crash! Shhhh!) This helps to create a vivid picture of by helping the reader to hear Positive or negative Words which create a positive or This helps to reader to imagine/ feel language negative image/feeling for the reader. Rhetorical question A question which does not need an answer It gets the reader to think about IMAGERY If you struggle to identify whether a technique is simile, metaphor, Simile personification or pathetic fallacy, you can just identify it as an IMAGE. Comparing two things using like or This creates an image in the reader s as (He runs like the wind; As mind because they can see This strong as an ox.) helps the reader understand the Metaphor Comparing two things by saying message of the poem because one thing IS another (He is a pig; I am drowning in a sea of marking) Personification Pathetic Fallacy Giving something not living, human qualities (The wind roared around the house; Time marched on) Giving the weather human qualities to create atmosphere or mood. The reader can feel/visualise the atmosphere/mood
TALKING ABOUT THE STRUCTURE OF A POEM Poetic Feature What is it? To get grade 5-9, what can you say? 1 st person narrative The poem uses I and me to tell the story, get the message across or explain feelings. 2 nd person narrative The poem addresses the reader using you. Short sentences Enjambment Single clause or single word sentences. Sentences which flow on over more than one line or stanza. The reader understands the way the narrator thinks and feels. They learn However, this can be biased because The reader is challenged to think about The reader is encouraged to think about The poet makes a forceful point about to get the reader to think. The short sentence builds tension /suspense/drama because The short sentence emphasises the key idea that The repetition of the short sentence creates a feeling of The repetition of the short sentence makes sure the reader understands The enjambment helps the reader to understand the narrator s feelings of The enjambment adds pace to the poem when Stanza A group of lines which are like a paragraph in a poem. In each stanza, the poet tells us Opening The beginning of the poem In the opening stanza/line, the poet establishes/introduces This helps the reader to understand/see/feel/imagine Ending The last section of the poem At the end of the poem, the poet leaves the reader thinking about At the end of the poem, the poet leaves the reader with the message The end contrasts with the beginning because This helps the reader to understand The end repeats the beginning because This helps the reader to understand Rhyme These are often words at the end of the lines which sound similar The rhyme pattern is The rhyme is regular and organised because (hen/pen; make/bake). It The rhyme makes a point of the words. because might be in couplets (pairs of At this point, there is a rhyming couplet because lines) or it might follow a the poet wants the reader to know different pattern where every other line rhymes (ABAB CDCD). Sometimes there might be internal rhyme with words that sound similar within a line. Free verse There is NO pattern to the rhyme. The poem is in free verse which reflects Punctuation Notice the punctuation to mark sentences. The exclamation mark emphasises that Sentences are long with lots of commas which creates the effect There are no full stops in the poem because
Charge of the Light Brigade
sabre
Charge of the Light Brigade Revision Activity What is the message of the poem? How does it explore the theme of conflict? What do you know about the structure of the poem? How does the structure of the poem help to teach us the message? 1. Identify 5 key quotes that reveal the message. 2. Identify what technique each uses. 3. Analyse what each quote teaches you about the message. Quote 1 Quote 2 Quote 3 Quote 4 Quote 5
Exposure
Exposure Revision Activity What is the message of the poem? How does it explore the theme of conflict? What do you know about the structure of the poem? How does the structure of the poem help to teach us the message? 1. Identify 5 key quotes that reveal the message. 2. Identify what technique each uses. 3. Analyse what each quote teaches you about the message. Quote 1 Quote 2 Quote 3 Quote 4 Quote 5
Poppies
Poppies Revision Activity What is the message of the poem? How does it explore the theme of conflict? What do you know about the structure of the poem? How does the structure of the poem help to teach us the message? 1. Identify 5 key quotes that reveal the message. 2. Identify what technique each uses. 3. Analyse what each quote teaches you about the message. Quote 1 Quote 2 Quote 3 Quote 4 Quote 5
War Photographer
War Photographer Revision Activity What is the message of the poem? How does it explore the theme of conflict? What do you know about the structure of the poem? How does the structure of the poem help to teach us the message? 1. Identify 5 key quotes that reveal the message. 2. Identify what technique each uses. 3. Analyse what each quote teaches you about the message. Quote 1 Quote 2 Quote 3 Quote 4 Quote 5
Bayonet Charge
Bayonet Charge Revision Activity What is the message of the poem? How does it explore the theme of conflict? What do you know about the structure of the poem? How does the structure of the poem help to teach us the message? 1. Identify 5 key quotes that reveal the message. 2. Identify what technique each uses. 3. Analyse what each quote teaches you about the message. Quote 1 Quote 2 Quote 3 Quote 4 Quote 5
Kamikaze
Kamikaze Revision Activity What is the message of the poem? How does it explore the theme of conflict? What do you know about the structure of the poem? How does the structure of the poem help to teach us the message? 1. Identify 5 key quotes that reveal the message. 2. Identify what technique each uses. 3. Analyse what each quote teaches you about the message. Quote 1 Quote 2 Quote 3 Quote 4 Quote 5
Remains
Remains Revision Activity What is the message of the poem? How does it explore the theme of conflict? What do you know about the structure of the poem? How does the structure of the poem help to teach us the message? 1. Identify 5 key quotes that reveal the message. 2. Identify what technique each uses. 3. Analyse what each quote teaches you about the message. Quote 1 Quote 2 Quote 3 Quote 4 Quote 5
Emigree
Emigree Revision Activity What is the message of the poem? How does it explore the theme of conflict? What do you know about the structure of the poem? How does the structure of the poem help to teach us the message? 1. Identify 5 key quotes that reveal the message. 2. Identify what technique each uses. 3. Analyse what each quote teaches you about the message. Quote 1 Quote 2 Quote 3 Quote 4 Quote 5
Checking out Me History
Checking Out Me History Revision Activity What is the message of the poem? How does it explore the theme of conflict? What do you know about the structure of the poem? How does the structure of the poem help to teach us the message? 1. Identify 5 key quotes that reveal the message. 2. Identify what technique each uses. 3. Analyse what each quote teaches you about the message. Quote 1 Quote 2 Quote 3 Quote 4 Quote 5
Ozymandias The Octet The Sestet
Ozymandias Revision Activity What is the message of the poem? How does it explore the theme of conflict? What do you know about the structure of the poem? How does the structure of the poem help to teach us the message? 1. Identify 5 key quotes that reveal the message. 2. Identify what technique each uses. 3. Analyse what each quote teaches you about the message. Quote 1 Quote 2 Quote 3 Quote 4 Quote 5
My Last Duchess
My Last Duchess Revision Activity What is the message of the poem? How does it explore the theme of conflict? What do you know about the structure of the poem? How does the structure of the poem help to teach us the message? 1. Identify 5 key quotes that reveal the message. 2. Identify what technique each uses. 3. Analyse what each quote teaches you about the message. Quote 1 Quote 2 Quote 3 Quote 4 Quote 5
Extract from The Prelude
Prelude Revision Activity What is the message of the poem? How does it explore the theme of conflict? What do you know about the structure of the poem? How does the structure of the poem help to teach us the message? 1. Identify 5 key quotes that reveal the message. 2. Identify what technique each uses. 3. Analyse what each quote teaches you about the message. Quote 1 Quote 2 Quote 3 Quote 4 Quote 5
Tissue
Prelude Revision Activity What is the message of the poem? How does it explore the theme of conflict? What do you know about the structure of the poem? How does the structure of the poem help to teach us the message? 1. Identify 5 key quotes that reveal the message. 2. Identify what technique each uses. 3. Analyse what each quote teaches you about the message. Quote 1 Quote 2 Quote 3 Quote 4 Quote 5
London
London Revision Activity What is the message of the poem? How does it explore the theme of conflict? What do you know about the structure of the poem? How does the structure of the poem help to teach us the message? 1. Identify 5 key quotes that reveal the message. 2. Identify what technique each uses. 3. Analyse what each quote teaches you about the message. Quote 1 Quote 2 Quote 3 Quote 4 Quote 5
Storm on the Island
Storm on the Island Revision Activity What is the message of the poem? How does it explore the theme of conflict? What do you know about the structure of the poem? How does the structure of the poem help to teach us the message? 1. Identify 5 key quotes that reveal the message. 2. Identify what technique each uses. 3. Analyse what each quote teaches you about the message. Quote 1 Quote 2 Quote 3 Quote 4 Quote 5
Comparing Poetry: Themes How does each poem address the theme of conflict? What kind of conflict does it address? Ozymandias How does the poem explore the theme of conflict? London Prelude My Last Duchess Charge of the Light Brigade Exposure Storm on the Island Bayonet Charge Remains
How does the poem explore the theme of conflict? Poppies War Photographer Tissue Emigree Checking out me history Kamikaze
Comparing Themes Use this grid to identify which poems explore which of these themes. Remember they may fit into more than one category. War Nature Power Culture/Homeland Honour Inner Conflict Identity The Past Family
Comparing Techniques Use this grid to identify which poems use particular techniques. This is not a complete lists of techniques that a poem can use! Remember they may fit into more than one category. Dramatic Monologue Regular structure Free verse Enjambment Sonnet Iambic pentameter Dialect First person narrative Third person narrative Use of italics
Writing a comparison
Charge of the Light Brigade addresses the ideas of pride and honour. Compare this to one other poem you have studied which deals with the same themes. 1. Which other poems have you studied which address the ideas of pride and honour? 2. Tick the poem that you will choose. 3. Plan your answer to the question. Focus of the paragraph What is the poem s message about pride and honour? Notes for each poem CotLB Connective I will use How does the poem use structure to share this message? CotLB How does the poem use structure to share this message? Quote 1 CotLB How does the poem use structure to share this message? Quote 2 How does the poem use structure to share this message? Quote 3 CotLB CotLB
Essay Titles: You need to practice planning and writing to help you internalise the structure and language techniques of each poem. Remember you need to: Read (read the title at least twice) Decode (underline the title of the poem and the key theme you are comparing) Plan (copy the plan on the next page for all essay titles) Answer (use your plan to ensure you write a comparative essay. Remember to use comparative connectives in every paragraph!) Emigree explores the narrator s feelings about her home country. Compare this poem to one other poem you have studied where the poet explores conflict around culture. Tissue explores feelings about power. Compare this to one other poem you have studied which focuses on the concept of power. Poppies explores a mother s feelings about her son going to war. Compare this to one other poem you have studied which explores feelings about war and conflict. London explores the feelings of the narrator about the conflict created by abuse of power. Compare this to one other poem which explores the abuse of power. Storm on the Island explores feelings about nature. Compare this to one other poem where the poet explores conflict between man and nature. Checking out Me History explores the conflict around the narrator s identity. Compare this to one other poem where the poet explores feelings about identity. Remains creates a powerful character to explore feelings about war. Compare this to one other poem where the poet uses a character to explore an aspect of conflict. War Photographer explores the inner conflict of the narrator about his job. Compare this to one other poem where the poet explores inner conflict. Exposure explores the experiences of the soldiers on the battlefield. Compare this to one other poem you have studied where the poem focuses on the soldier s experience. You can compare any two poems using the title: explores ideas about conflict. Compare this to one other poem you have studied which explores conflict.
Comparative Essay Plan Focus of the paragraph What is the poem s message about pride and honour? Notes for each poem Poem 1 Poem 2 Connective I will use How does the poem use structure to share this message? Poem 1 Poem 2 How does the poem use structure to share this message? Quote 1 Poem 1 Poem 2 How does the poem use structure to share this message? Quote 2 Poem 1 Poem 2 How does the poem use structure to share this message? Quote 3 Poem 1 Poem 2
Tackling Unseen Poetry 1. What is the poem about? What is the message of the poem? 2. Look at the structure. How many stanzas are there? What is each one about? How does the poem move from the opening to the final stanza? Is it told in the first, second or third person? Is there enjambment? Is there any pattern to the rhyme? Do you notice any particular punctuation or lack of punctuation? Are there any sentences which particularly stand out? 3. Look at the language. Are there any words which seem particularly important? Are there any examples of emotive language? Are there examples of positive or negative language? Is there alliteration? Is there any sibilance? Is there repetition? Is there any imagery (similes, metaphors, personification, pathetic fallacy)? Are there examples of juxtaposition or oxymorons? Is there onomatopoeia? Are there any rhetorical questions? 4. Choose 3 features of structure. How does each of these help the reader to understand the message of the poem? 5. Choose 5 features of language. How does each of these help the reader to understand the message of the poem?
Practice analysing these unseen poems using the checklist on the previous page Brothers Saddled with you for the afternoon, me and Paul ambled across the threadbare field to the bus stop, talking over Sheffield Wednesday s chances in the cup while you skipped beside us in your ridiculous tank top, spouting six year-old views on Rotherham United Suddenly you froze, said you hadn t any bus fare. I sighed, said you should go and ask Mum and while you windmilled home I looked at Paul His smile, like mine, said I was nine and he was ten and we must stroll down the town, doing like grown-ups do. As a bus crested the hill we chased Olympic Gold. Looking back I saw you spring towards the gate, you hand holding out what must of been a coin. I ran on, unable to close the distance I d set in motion
Praise Song for My Mother You were water to me deep and bold and fathoming You were moon s eye to me pull and grained and mantling You were sunrise to me rise and warm and streaming You were the fishes red gill to me the flame tree s spread to me the crab s leg/the fried plantain smell replenishing replenishing Go to your wide futures, you said
Nettles My son aged three fell in the nettle bed. "Bed" seemed a curious name for those green spears. That regiment of spite behind the shed: It was no place for rest. With sobs and tears The boy came seeking comfort and I saw White blisters beaded on his tender skin. We soothed him till his pain was not so raw. At last he offered us a watery grin, And then I took my hook and honed the blade And went outside and slashed in fury with it Till not a nettle in that fierce parade Stood upright any more. Next task: I lit A funeral pyre to burn the fallen dead. But in two weeks the busy sun and rain Had called up tall recruits behind the shed: My son would often feel sharp wounds again.
Sister Maude Who told my mother of my shame, Who told my father of my dear? Oh who but Maude, my sister Maude, Who lurked to spy and peer. Cold he lies, as cold as stone, With his clotted curls about his face: The comeliest corpse in all the world And worthy of a queen's embrace. You might have spared his soul, sister, Have spared my soul, your own soul too: Though I had not been born at all, He'd never have looked at you. My father may sleep in Paradise, My mother at Heaven-gate; But sister Maude shall get no sleep Either early or late. My father may wear a golden gown, My mother a crown may win; If my dear and I knocked at Heaven-gate Perhaps they'd let us in: But sister Maude, oh sister Maude, Bide you with death and sin.