Analysing the poem ‘War Photographer’ by Carole Satyamurti
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how Satyamurti uses language and structure to convey the moral complexities of capturing images of conflict.
Key learning points
- Juxtaposing images are used between the second and third stanza.
- The poem is written in free verse which could increase the feeling of reality.
- Caesura is used after 'almost-smile', perhaps to reflect happiness being cut short.
- Arguably, the photographer is presented as a predator.
- Intense and vivid imagery is used to capture the realities of war.
Keywords
Gilded - covered with a thin layer of gold.
Ascot - horse racing event in Berkshire, UK, known for its fashionable attire and social prestige.
Privileged - having special advantages, or opportunities due to wealth, status, or position.
Symbolism - using concrete objects or actions to represent abstract ideas, concepts or emotions.
Caesura - pause or break in a line of poetry, typically marked by punctuation, creating rhythm.
Common misconception
This poem focuses on the moral complexities of war and conflict.
This poem is less about war and more about the stories we tell/hear/see about it. Arguably, Satyamurti suggests that there is no way to fully capture traumatic experiences like this since neither the picture nor caption capture what really happened.
Teacher tip
As you explore Satyamurti's use of punctuation and structure to give the impression of spoken language, encourage students to write about an experience in their life and then redraft it as though they are saying it aloud. They can then use their own writing to consider how to create a 'spoken' feel.
Equipment
You need access to a copy of ‘War Photographer’ by Carole Satyamurti. This can be found in the Edexcel Poetry Anthology (we will be using the ‘Conflict’ cluster).
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these are important to consider when analysing the structure of a poem?
Q2.Which of the words below is a synonym for 'absurd'?
Q3.The words "seek", "took", and "followed" are all examples of which word class?
Q4.What does 'desensitised' mean?
Q5.Which of these symbols is often used to represent wealth and luxury?
Q6.Match each punctuation type to the correct usage.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does the word 'privileged' mean?
Q2.Which of these quotations symbolises wealth and privilege in Satyamurti's 'War Photographer'?
Q3.In Satyamurti's 'War Photographer', how does the word "seek" present the photographer as a predator?
Q4.What is caesura?
Q5.Complete this sentence: 'Satyamurti's use of __________ verse in 'War Photographer' helps to gives the poem a 'spoken' feel.'
Q6.Which type of punctuation does Satyamurti use in 'War Photographer' to imply that the speaker may have trailed in their description (perhaps because continuing was too emotionally difficult)?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Analysing the poem ‘War Photographer’ by Carole Satyamurti, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Analysing the poem ‘War Photographer’ by Carole Satyamurti, 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' unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.