Identifying how poets present relationships that change over time
I can identify similarities and differences between ‘Mother, any distance’, ‘Walking Away’ and ‘Follower’.
Identifying how poets present relationships that change over time
I can identify similarities and differences between ‘Mother, any distance’, ‘Walking Away’ and ‘Follower’.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- All three poets reflect on the fluid and changing dynamics of parental relationships.
- All three poems explore the lasting effect ephemeral moments can have on a person.
- Armitage and Heaney use the child's perspective whereas Day-Lewis uses the parent's perspective.
- Armitage and Day-Lewis focus on a moment of separation whereas Heaney incorporates a reversal of roles.
- ‘Walking Away’ and ‘Follower’ reminisce on an important moment from the speaker’s past.
Keywords
Perspective - a particular interpretation or outlook on situations and events
Reversal - transition to an opposite direction or outcome
Ephemeral - brief or transitory in nature; fleeting
Stifle - suppress or suffocate; inhibit the development or expression of something
Separation - act of isolating or setting apart distinct entities
Common misconception
In 'Mother, any distance', the 'child' figure yearns for independence while the parent isn't ready to let them go.
It is possible to interpret the poem in this way but it is also possible to infer that the speaker feels nervous about the prospect of their independence, worrying whether they will succeed or "fall".
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Identifying how poets present relationships that change over time, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Identifying how poets present relationships that change over time, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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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.
Equipment
You will need access to 'Mother, any distance' (Armitage), 'Walking Away' (Day-Lewis) and 'Follower' (Heaney). 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
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a particular interpretation or outlook on a situation
transition to an opposite direction or outcome
brief or transitory in nature; fleeting
suppress or suffocate
act of isolating or setting apart distinct entities
"anchor"
"half-fledged"
"stumbled"