Identifying how poets convey heartbreak in natural settings
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify similarities and differences between 'Winter Swans', 'Neutral Tones' and 'When We Two Parted'.
Key learning points
- The poets initially use barren and inhospitable settings to reflect despairing and hopeless emotions.
- The poets initially show fragmented relationships but these progress in different ways throughout each poem.
- Sheers is the only poet to shift to a more hopeful tone when the couple are eventually unified.
- Comparison questions require you to focus firstly on key ideas and then explore how the writers convey these ideas.
- A single paragraph outline is an effective way to structure a comparative analysis paragraph.
Keywords
Bleak - desolate, harsh, and without hope or cheer
Inhospitable - unwelcoming and unfavourable, providing little or no comfort
Ill-fated - destined to end in failure, tragedy, or misfortune
Fragmented - broken into parts or pieces; lacking unity, cohesion, or continuity
Unified - joined or integrated, creating a cohesive and harmonious whole
Common misconception
All three poems convey a negative view of romantic relationships.
All three poems begin by conveying a negative view of romantic relationships. This continues throughout 'Neutral Tones' and 'When We Two Parted' however 'Winter Swans' undergoes a shift to a hopeful tone by the end as the couple are unified.
Teacher tip
When attempting Task C, consider printing out the model answer used in the feedback (found in Additional Materials) and encouraging students to annotate where each element of the single paragraph is included before using the feedback slide to discuss this as a group.
Equipment
You will need access to the poems 'Winter Swans' (Sheers), 'Neutral Tones' (Hardy) and 'When We Two Parted' (Byron). They 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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