Comparing Romantic poets' attitudes to nature
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can draw interesting comparisons between two Romantic poems.
Key learning points
- The poems that you choose to compare should both be linked to the focus and nuances of the question you are asked.
- Focus your introduction and topic sentences on connections and contrasts between ideas, not devices.
- Reference poetic devices and draw attention to them, not simply the literary.
- You can use poetic devices and ideas about form and structure to help support your topic sentences.
Keywords
Transcendental - being beyond ordinary human experience, thought or belief
Omnipotence - having unlimited or very great power
Existential - relating to human existence or being alive
Common misconception
All Romantic poems from the anthology are equally comparable.
Some Romantic poems are more suitable for comparison, depending on which question you are asked.
Teacher tip
Explore which question may encourage a comparison between 'London' and 'Extract from The Prelude'.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the AQA Power and Conflict 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.Match the quote to the correct poem.
Q2.Which movement do Shelley, Blake and Wordsworth belong to?
Q3.Match the poem to the correct form.
Q4.How does each Romantic poem depict human power?
Q5.What do 'Ozymandias', 'London' and 'Extract from the Prelude' have in common?
Q6.Match the beginning of each sentence to the appropriate end to create comparative statements.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.When choosing which two poems to compare, what is the most important thing you should you consider?
Q2.Which Romantic poems focus on the power of nature over mankind?
Q3.Which Romantic poems focus on oppressive institutions?
Q4.Which quote from 'Ozymandias' below can be linked with "to reach a chosen point. With an unswerving line..." taken from 'Extract from The Prelude' ?
Q5.'Ozymandias' explores the __________ quality of nature's power, whereas 'Extract from The Prelude' focuses on __________ quality of nature.
Q6.Which structural element of 'Extract from The Prelude' can you use to support the idea that man is overwhelmed with the transcendental quality of nature?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Comparing Romantic poets' attitudes to nature, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Comparing Romantic poets' attitudes to nature, 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.