Analysing 'Winter Swans' by Owen Sheers
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore how Sheers uses nature to symbolise the couple's relationship.
Key learning points
- Sheers uses personification of the surroundings to present a fractured emotional landscape.
- Sheers uses pathetic fallacy to subtly imply that the couple are facing trouble in their relationship.
- Sheers uses a contrast in colour imagery to signify the hope that emerges from despair.
- Sheers uses a simile in the resolution of the poem to convey how the couple are reunified.
- Sheers uses the symbolism of the swans to mark a turning point in the tone of the poem - from despair to hope.
Keywords
Personification - giving human traits to non-human entities
Symbolism - representing abstract ideas using concrete objects or actions
Contrast - differences between two or more things used to draw attention to them
Simile - using ‘like’ or ‘as’ to compare two things with shared qualities
Resolution - the conclusion or final outcome of a story or conflict
Common misconception
Sheers tells us that the couple have been arguing before heading out for their walk.
Sheers doesn't explicitly tell us that the couple have been arguing but subtly implies this using personification and pathetic fallacy in the first two stanzas. He describes how the couple are "silent and apart" to show their fragmented relationship.
Teacher tip
Before attempting the second learning cycle, pause to discuss how students would describe swans. You could take this time to show a brief video clip of swans swimming across water to enable students to have a clear mental image of them as they analyse Sheers' descriptions of them.
Equipment
You will need access to the poem 'Winter Swans' by Owen Sheers. 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
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