Understanding the poem ‘What Were They Like?’ by Denise Levertov
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how Levertov presents the atrocities of war.
Key learning points
- Levertov was active in protesting against the Vietnam War.
- The poem was written before the withdrawal of American troops in 1973.
- The Vietnam War was about defeating communism.
- The US used napalm, a particularly harrowing weapon, against civilians.
- This poem explores what may have happened if the US and anti-communist forces had won the war.
Keywords
Civilians - non-military individuals who are not actively engaged in armed conflict
Napalm - highly flammable sticky substance, typically used in warfare to create firestorms
Agent Orange - a powerful herbicide and toxic chemical used by the US in Vietnam to eliminate forest cover and crops
Culture - the shared customs, beliefs, practices and social institutions of a particular group of people or society
Communism - an ideology where resources are owned collectively and distributed, aiming for a classless society
Common misconception
The Vietnam War was a conflict fought between the US and the country of Vietnam.
Following the First Indochina War, Vietnam was split into two regions: communist controlled North Vietnam and South Vietnam, controlled by a non-communist government (supported by the US). The Vietnam War was fought between these two regions.
Teacher tip
Help students to explore public perceptions of the Vietnam by exploring video coverage of the conflict and global protests.
Equipment
You need access to a copy of ‘What Were They Like?’ by Denise Levertov. 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
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