Understanding how Shelley critiques powerful institutions in 'England in 1819'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how Shelley presents powerful institutions through a consideration of the language and Romantic context.
Key learning points
- ‘England in 1819’ is arguably a criticism of powerful institutions who are blind to the suffering of ordinary folk.
- The Peterloo Massacre happened in England in 1819.
- The Peterloo Massacre happened at a protest demanding the reform of parliamentary representation.
- Arguably, Shelley criticises the monarchy, the Church and parliament for not acting in the people’s best interests.
Keywords
Institution - an established organisation or corporation (such as a bank or university) often for use by the public
Monarchy - the system of having a king or queen
Critical - expressing adverse or disapproving comments or judgements
Romanticism - a poetic movement from the late 18th and early 19th century, focused on emotions and nature
Common misconception
That Romantic poets were purely concerned with nature.
While nature is a prominent theme of many Romantic poems, Romantics were also social revolutionaries who criticised institutions such as the monarchy and the Church.
Teacher tip
It might be beneficial to spend a bit more time defining Romanticism if it is an unfamiliar term to your students.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the AQA World and Lives anthology for this lesson.
Content guidance
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.To be critical of something is to...
Q2.The word 'despise' means...
Q3.Describing an opportunity as 'golden' implies...
Q4.If something is 'sealed' then it is...
Q5.When did the Romantic movement originate?
Q6.Describing someone as a 'leech' implies...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Monarchy is the system of...
Q2.An established organisation or corporation often used by the public is an...
Q3.'Sanguine' can mean which of the following?
Q4.The idea of the monarchy not "know[ing]" could imply which of the following in 'England in 1819'?
Q5.The Peterloo Massacre began as a demonstration for..
Q6.Shelley likely evokes the Peterloo Massacre in 'England in 1819' because...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Understanding how Shelley critiques powerful institutions 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: Understanding how Shelley critiques powerful institutions 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.
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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.