Analysing ideas of time, identity and place in Seneviratne’s 'A Wider View'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can understand how Seneviratne uses structure and language to express ideas of time, identity and place in 'A Wider View'.
Key learning points
- The structure of a poem arguably represents the journey of a concept or idea through the poem.
- The structure of the poem could represent the connection between the speaker’s identity and their ancestor’s life.
- Seneviratne uses metaphysical language to consider the nature of time
- Arguably, Seneviratne represents time as existing in a constant cyclical motion.
Keywords
Metaphysical - relating to the part of philosophy that is about understanding existence and knowledge
Axis - a real or imaginary straight line going through the centre of an object that is spinning
Cyclical - occurring in cycles; recurrent
Flux - the action or process of flowing or flowing out
Common misconception
That we all have the same metaphysical understanding of time.
While some people consider time to be linear, Seneviratne arguably considers time to be cyclical.
Teacher tip
This is a complex poem, so you may want to ask the students to share their discussions with the whole class to ensure they can consider different ideas and interpretations.
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.When looking at 'structure' in poetry this means looking at...
Q2. is the continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line, couplet, or stanza.
Q3.What is 'A Wider View' by Seni Seneviratne about?
Q4.How is the sky described on line 3 of 'A Wider View'?
Q5.'A Wider View' shifts from the __________ to the __________ as the poem progresses.
Q6.The word 'cyclical' means...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keyword to their definitions.
a straight line going through the centre of a spinning object
occurring in cycles; recurrent
the action or process of flowing or flowing out
Q2.The structure of 'A Wider View' might suggest Senevaritne wants the reader to go on a .
Q3.The use of enjambment in 'A Wider View' may have been used to...
Q4.Seneviratne uses __________ language to consider the nature of time in 'A Wider View'.
Q5.Arguably, in 'A Wider View' Seneviratne represents time as existing in a constant motion.
Q6.Complete the quotation from 'A Wider View': "while the curve of past and future arcs between us".
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Analysing ideas of time, identity and place in Seneviratne’s 'A Wider View', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Analysing ideas of time, identity and place in Seneviratne’s 'A Wider View', 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 'World and Lives' unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.