Understanding the poem ‘Eden Rock’ by Charles Causley
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how Causley presents an uncanny reunion between the speaker and their parents
Key learning points
- The speaker meets his parents in an ambiguous ‘dream-like’ location.
- The speaker describes his parents, particularly his mother, in intricate detail.
- The speaker also describes the picnic in intricate detail, suggesting he is recalling a memory.
- The speaker is separated from his parents by a stream which they encourage him to cross
- Causley grew up in Cornwall and has suggested that the fictional 'Eden Rock' is based on the Cornish landscape.
Keywords
Nostalgia - sentimental longing for the past, often idealised
Ambiguous - meaning is unclear or open to interpretation
Intimidating - causing fear or apprehension, often due to perceived power or authority
Vague - lack of clarity or precision, characterised by an absence of specific details
Caricature - exaggerated portrayal of someone that emphasises distinctive features or traits
Common misconception
Eden Rock is a real place.
Eden Rock is a fictional place, devised by the poet Charles Causley. Causley confirms this but does suggest that he based the location on the Cornish landscape where he grew up.
Teacher tip
When working through the key quotations in the second learning cycle, consider encouraging students to annotate the quotes in their copies of the AQA anthology.
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 of these words is a synonym for 'traditional'?
Q2.The Garden of Eden is a place found in which famous text?
Q3.If someone believes in traditional gender roles, they could be said to have __________ views.
Q4.Why is it important to consider the wider context of a poem?
Q5.Which of these words is a synonym for 'nostalgia'?
Q6.Which of these words is an example of tentative language?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a 'caricature'?
Q2.Which of these words is a synonym for 'vague'?
Q3.In 'Eden Rock', the "light" shining through the mother's hair presents her as kind and gentle because it could symbolise that she has...
Q4.Which of the quotes below from 'Eden Rock' suggests the speaker views his father as an intimidating person?
Q5.Charles Causley grew up in...
Q6.The hazy, dream-like mood of the poem means it can be interpreted as...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Understanding 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: Understanding 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.