Analysing the poem 'Catrin' by Gillian Clarke
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how Clarke uses language, form and structure to express her viewpoint.
Key learning points
- Clarke uses the semantic field of motherhood to explore the duality of parental relationships.
- The semantic field of conflict is used to represent motherhood as a battle.
- The change in tense between stanzas reflects how this conflict is an ongoing one.
- Repetition of the first line implies this is an authentic account of a personal conflict.
- The use of abstract imagery in lines 9-16 can interpreted both physically and emotionally symbolic
Keywords
Duality - opposing or contrasting elements existing together, often symbolising balance or conflict
Semantic field - a set of words grouped by a common theme
Abstract imagery - descriptive language that evokes ideas, emotions, or concepts rather than tangible objects or scenes
Symbolise - when a writer uses a concrete object to represent an abstract idea (e.g. hearts symbolise love)
Manifestation - how abstract ideas or emotions appear in the real world (through behaviours, actions etc.)
Common misconception
Lines 9-16 of the poem use abstract imagery to convey the moment of the birth in the hospital room.
While this is one way of interpreting these lines, others have argued the abstract images could reflect society's unfair expectations of mothers and the nature of the developing maternal relationship.
Teacher tip
During this lesson, we explore Clarke's use of two different semantic fields. It would be a good idea to use different colours to annotate copies of the poem so students have a visual representation of the frequency of each semantic field.
Equipment
You need access to a copy of ‘Catrin’ by Gillian Clarke for this lesson. You can find this in the Edexcel Poetry Anthology (we will be using the ‘Conflict’ cluster).
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.Why types of conflict can we identify in Gillian Clarke's poem 'Catrin'?
Q2.Which two of the following themes best link to Gillian Clarke's poem 'Catrin'?
Q3.How are single paragraph outlines useful when writing an analytical paragraph?
Q4.Which of the following are from the semantic field of childhood?
Q5.Which of the following words would you use to describe a mother-daughter relationship?
Q6.Which of the following words are personal pronouns?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does 'duality' mean?
Q2.Match each method to the correct definition.
a set of words grouped by a common theme
descriptive language that evokes ideas, emotions or concepts
using concrete objects/actions to represent abstract ideas
Q3.Which of the following are manifestations (actions) we associate with conflict?
Q4.In lines 9-16 of 'Catrin', Clarke uses a series of shapes and symbols to reflect on the speaker's first meeting with her daughter after the birth. We could call this method ...
Q5.In the second half of 'Catrin', Clarke shifts to the present tense. Arguably, this implies that ...
Q6.Complete the missing word in this sentence: 'The best analysis paragraphs begin with a clear, comparative sentence that is linked to the question.'
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Analysing the poem 'Catrin' by Gillian Clarke, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Analysing the poem 'Catrin' by Gillian Clarke, 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 Conflict poetry continued unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.