Analysing the poem 'Eden Rock' by Charles Causley
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore how Causley presents an uncanny reunion between the speaker and their parents.
Key learning points
- Causley uses biblical and mythical imagery to suggest his parents are in the afterlife.
- Causley uses ethereal imagery to depict his mother as an angelic figure.
- Causley uses precise sensory imagery to make the moment of reunion seem like a memory.
- Causely uses an ambiguous resolution to leave the nature of the reunion a mystery.
- Effective analysis writing is nuanced because it includes multiple interpretations of the text.
Keywords
Ethereal - characterised by a delicate, otherworldly, or heavenly quality
Biblical imagery - images that reference bible stories
Sensory imagery - vivid descriptions invoking the five senses
Pluperfect tense - a verb tense which shows that one thing happened before another thing
Nuanced - subtly different aspects or details, often with underlying complexity
Common misconception
You should decide on one main interpretation of text and focus on that in your analytical writing.
Effective analytical writing often includes multiple interpretations of a text and careful consideration of the wider context.
Teacher tip
Print off copies of the feedback to learning cycle two and have students annotate WWW/EBI onto this response before doing the same to their own.
Equipment
You will need access to the poem 'Eden Rock' by Charles Causley. This can be found in the AQA Love and Relationships Poetry Anthology.
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.Which is the best synonym for the word 'uncanny'?
Q2.Which of the following is the best definition of the verb 'to reunite'?
Q3.What does it mean to say you have made a valid point?
Q4.A complex response to literature is one where __________.
Q5.Which of the following words belongs in the following sentence: Causley's relationship with his parents is described evocatively but not precisely. This creates __________ in the poem.
Q6.Which of the following is the best synonym for the word 'symbolise'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.If we say that something is "ethereal" we mean that it is __________.
Q2.Which of the following sentences uses the pluperfect tense?
Q3.Which of the following are credible connotations of the word Eden?
Q4.In Greek mythology, the strip of water dividing the world of the living from the underworld is called the...
Q5.In 'Eden Rock', the parents are beckoning to the speaker. How might you interpret the verb 'beckons'?
Q6.Which of the following best explains how, in 'Eden Rock', the speaker's mother is presented as angelic?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Analysing the poem 'Eden Rock' by Charles Causley, 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 'Eden Rock' by Charles Causley, 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 'Love and Relationships' unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.