Analysing the poem ‘Walking Away’ by Cecil Day-Lewis
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore how Day-Lewis uses language and structure to show the complexities of a father-son relationship.
Key learning points
- Day-Lewis uses a simile to show the overwhelming pain he feels initially at the separation from his son.
- Day-Lewis uses natural imagery to convey how he feels his son is not yet ready to be independent.
- Day-Lewis uses a metaphor to suggest how although this is a natural process, it can be painful and deeply impactful.
- Day-Lewis uses the resolution to reveal how since the moment of parting, he has learnt the importance of it.
- Day-Lewis' use of a regular rhyme scheme could mirror the stable nature of parental love.
Keywords
Rhyme scheme - pattern of rhymes (similar sounds) at the end of each line in a poem
Resolution - the point in a narrative where conflicts stop developing and are resolved
Sacrifice - giving up something valuable or important for the sake of others or a greater cause
Nurturing - providing care, support, and encouragement to promote growth and development
Unconditional - absolute, not subject to any limitations or requirements
Common misconception
Analysis paragraphs should lead by 'feature-spotting' a technique and then linking it to key ideas.
The most effective analysis paragraphs lead with key ideas supported by evidence from the text, analysis of writer's methods, a justification of ideas and a link to the writer's intentions.
Teacher tip
Map out the rhyme scheme of the poem by encouraging students to use lined paper and map out the four stanzas (using 20 lines), writing the rhyming words onto the corresponding lines. This will give them a visual representation of the rhyming pattern in the poem.
Equipment
You will need access to the poem 'Walking Away' by Cecil Day-Lewis. 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.What is the poem 'Walking Away' by Cecil Day-Lewis about?
Q2.A is a comparison between two things, often using the words 'like' or 'as'.
Q3.What do we mean by structure when looking at poetry?
Q4.The purpose for writing a text is known as the writer's .
Q5.If you 'sacrifice' something this means...
Q6.Where do you often find the 'resolution' of a poem or a story?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords with their definitions.
the point in a narrative where the conflict is stopped
giving up something valuable or important for the sake of others
providing care, support, and encouragement to promote growth
absolute, not subject to any limitations or requirements
Q2.In 'Walking Away' Day-Lewis uses natural to convey how he feels his son is not yet ready to be independent.
Q3.What kind of rhyme scheme does 'Walking Away' use?
Q4.What comparative method does Day-Lewis use to show the initial pain he feels at the separation from his son in 'Walking Away'?
Q5.How might we show deeper analysis in our work on poetry?
Q6.What do you think Day-Lewis' intentions were in writing 'Walking Away'?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Analysing the poem ‘Walking Away’ by Cecil Day-Lewis, 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 ‘Walking Away’ by Cecil Day-Lewis, 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.