Analysing how Shelley presents ideas of suffering in 'England in 1819'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how Shelley uses language, structure and form to critique powerful institutions and express the concept of the suffering of ordinary people.
Key learning points
- Shelley may have used figurative language to expose the parasitic nature of the monarchy.
- Shelley could have used plosive sounds throughout the poem to emphasise the suffering of ordinary people.
- Arguably, Shelley’s use of enjambment references the continuation of the people’s suffering.
- Shelley’s non-conformity to the sonnet form may link to his revolutionary call for change.
Keywords
Plosive - sounds articulated with an abrupt release of air like "p," "b" or "t"
Figurative language - uses words and ideas to suggest meaning that is not literally true
Euphony - using soft vowels or consonants, to create a pleasing sound
Revolutionary - involving or causing a complete or dramatic change
Sonnet - a poetic form consisting of 14 lines, written in iambic pentameter, typically on the topic of love
Common misconception
That enjambment simply creates flow in a poem.
Enjambment usually links to the conceptual continuation of an idea of theme within the poem.
Teacher tip
To consolidate ideas around plosive sounds, you could ask the students to say them aloud or ask them to find synonyms that don't begin with a plosive sound and see how that changes their reading of the poem.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the AQA World and Lives anthology for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Words such as "glorious" and "illuminate" create __________ tone.
Q2.The continuation of a sentence beyond the end of a line, stanza or couplet is known as...
Q3.A pause or a break in a line of verse, often marked by punctuation is a...
Q4.Words and ideas which are used to suggest meaning that is not literally true is language.
Q5.What does the phrase "his name is mud" suggest about the subject being described?
Q6.A volta is...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A sonnet is...
Q2.Calling someone 'revolutionary' means they...
Q3.In 'England in 1819' Shelley used the metaphor "mud from a __________" to refer to the need for a change in institutional power.
Q4.The volta in 'England in 1819' offers a turning point because...
Q5.Plosive sounds are made by blocking the flow of air as it leaves the body therefore we might associate them with...
Q6.In 'England in 1819' Shelley may have used euphonic sounds in order to...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Analysing how Shelley presents ideas of suffering in 'England in 1819', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Analysing how Shelley presents ideas of suffering in 'England in 1819', 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.
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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.