Comparing unconventional relationships in the 'Love and Relationships' anthology
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify similarities and differences between 'Singh Song', 'The Farmer's Bride' and 'Porphyria's Lover'
Key learning points
- Mew and Browning describe dysfunctional relationships whilst Nagra describes an unconventional yet loving relationship.
- Both Nagra and Browning describe female characters who are sexually liberated and defy societal expectations.
- Mew and Browning depict dramatic monologues where speakers have dangerously misogynistic mindsets.
- Mew and Browning both use natural imagery to represent the speaker's emotions.
- Nagra is the only poet who describes a genuinely romantic relationship.
Keywords
Dysfunctional - not operating properly or normally
Defy - to openly resist or challenge
Unconventional - not conforming to usual standards
Thesis - a central argument or statement put forward in writing
Common misconception
All of these poems present relationships which are dysfunctional in some way.
Although 'Porphyria's Lover' and 'The Farmer's Bride' appear to show abusive, controlling relationships, the relationship in 'Singh Song!' is presented as a much more conventionally loving one.
Teacher tip
All of these poems are dramatic monologues - a good way in to study them could be by comparing the different narrators in each poem and drawing out similarities and differences between them.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the AQA 'Love and Relationships' poetry anthology.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the below are reasonable synonyms of 'unconventional'?
Q2.The poem 'Singh Song!' is written by Daljit ...
Q3.Which of the below are major themes in the poem 'Porphyria's Lover'?
Q4.The poem 'The Farmer's Bride' is written from the perspective of ...
Q5.'Singh Song!', 'The Farmer's Bride' and 'Porphyria's Lover' are all examples of ...
Q6.Which of the following poems from the AQA Love and Relationships anthology portrays a genuinely romantic relationship?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Both 'The Farmer's Bride' and 'Porphyria's Lover' explore __________ relationships.
Q2.Which poet from the list below is unique in showing a genuinely romantic relationship in their poem?
Q3.Which of the following best describes a thesis statement in a comparative response?
Q4.What similarity do both Nagra and Browning highlight in their poems about female characters?
Q5.Which statement best summarises the difference in how Browning and Mew depict abusive relationships in their poems?
Q6.Why is natural imagery used throughout the poem 'The Farmer's Bride'?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Comparing unconventional relationships in the 'Love and Relationships' anthology, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Comparing unconventional relationships in the 'Love and Relationships' anthology, 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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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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