Analysing the poem 'Bayonet Charge'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore how Hughes uses language and structure to present the multi-faceted destructive impact of war.
Key learning points
- Hughes shows the destructive nature of war through its impact on the soldier and the environment.
- In medias res and the use of a chaotic and disorientating structure shows the inherent panic of conflict.
- Hughes’ complex combination of violence, human body parts and weaponry blurs the line between the human and machine.
- Hughes subverts pastoral imagery to show that warfare destroys the environment, peace and innocence.
Keywords
Harrowing - highly distressing
Pastoral - literature conveying the idealised version of country life
Dehumanise - deprive someone of the qualities that make them human
In medias res - opening in the midst of the plot
Common misconception
Students may not initially see the natural imagery as relevant.
Explain to students that Ted Hughes was famous for his nature and animal poetry. He would have included these themes deliberately with a strong sense of purpose.
Teacher tip
The feedback slide for Task A can be edited in accordance with what skill your class need to work on most.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the AQA Power and Conflict Anthology for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.'Bayonet Charge' is about a soldier during which war?
Q2.What does the word 'dehumanise' mean?
Q3.What is the best use of the word 'harrowing' in a sentence?
Q4.Starting with the first, put the events of Hughes' 'Bayonet Charge' in chronological order.
Q5.In 'Bayonet Charge' Hughes not only shows the devastating effect of war on humans but also on...
Q6.What was Hughes' connection to WWI?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What word would you use to describe the atmosphere at the start of 'Bayonet Charge'?
Q2.When including context in your answer it should...
Q3.In 'Bayonet Charge' why may Hughes have combined images of weapons and the soldier's body parts?
Q4.Why might Hughes have chosen to focus heavily on nature in the poem 'Bayonet Charge'?
Q5.The term means 'opening in the midst of the plot'.
Q6.Hughes subverts imagery to show that warfare destroys the environment, peace and innocence.
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Analysing the poem 'Bayonet Charge', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Analysing the poem 'Bayonet Charge', 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.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 English lessons from the 'Power and Conflict' unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.