Analysing ideas of nature and heritage in Nichols' 'Like an Heiress'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how Nichols uses language, form and structure to express ideas of nature and heritage in 'Like an Heiress'.
Key learning points
- Nichols’ personification of nature may be to heighten the unjust treatment of nature by humanity.
- The link to the sonnet form through the length may be to show the love that the speaker has for nature and her heritage.
- However, the lack of adherence to the sonnet form may show that humanity itself doesn’t love nature.
- It may also be representative of the disconnect the speaker feels towards her home.
- The irregularity of the poem may be indicative of the uncertainty towards the planet’s future.
Keywords
Ironic - an ironic situation in which something has the opposite effect of the one intended.
Anthropogenic - relating to, or resulting from the influence of human beings on nature.
Sonnet - a poetic form consisting of 14 lines, written in iambic pentameter, typically on the topic of love.
Lament - a passionate expression of grief or sorrow.
Volta - the turn of thought or argument in the sonnet form.
Common misconception
If a poet doesn't conform to a poetic form then they are rejecting it.
By not using a particular poetic form, or subverting a poetic form, a poet may be critiquing a certain expectation or making a certain comment on society.
Teacher tip
It might be useful to show the students examples of sonnets to show them how Nichols is not adhering to the sonnet form.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the AQA World and Lives anthology for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.“Burning” might connect to ...
Q2.Attribution of human characteristics to non-human things is called .
Q3.The sonnet form has ...
Q4.Lament means...
Q5.Grace Nichols’ personal context is that ...
Q6.A volta is ...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.An irregular form in poetry could arguably indicate ...
Q2.In 'Like an Heiress', Nichols refers to nature’s emotions as ...
Q3.In 'Like an Heiress', Nichols links to the sonnet form through ...
Q4.In 'Like an Heiress', the contrast between “burning” and “air-conditioned” is ironic because ...
Q5.In 'Like an Heiress', the volta in line 4 signals ...
Q6.Relating to, or resulting from the influence of human beings on nature is called .
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Analysing ideas of nature and heritage in Nichols' 'Like an Heiress', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Analysing ideas of nature and heritage in Nichols' 'Like an Heiress', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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