Analysing how Wordsworth presents nature in 'To My Sister'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how Wordsworth uses language and structure to present an idyllic view of nature and arguably suggest that mankind belongs in nature in ‘To My Sister’.
Key learning points
- Arguably, Wordsworth uses sibilance, assonance, and euphony to contribute to the idea that nature is idyllic.
- Wordsworth may use asyndetic listing to show nature as enveloping.
- Wordsworth arguably implies that nature appeals to our rational "minds" as well as our emotions.
- The regularity of the rhyme scheme could also contribute to the image of nature as idyllic.
Keywords
Idyllic - extremely pleasant, beautiful or peaceful
Asyndetic listing - listing connected with a comma instead of a conjunction/connective
Sibilance - repetition of the hissing sound "s" in nearby words
Euphony - the combining of words to create a pleasing sound
Assonance - the repetition of vowel sounds in words that are close to each other in a sentence or phrase
Common misconception
That the use of sibilance creates a harsh, sinister atmosphere.
While the hissing sound of sibilance can create a harsh atmosphere, we can also interpret it as a shushing sound that creates a calm atmosphere.
Teacher tip
It would be useful to recap Wordsworth's 'To My Sister' before this lesson.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the Edexcel Belonging anthology for this lesson.
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 season do we typically think of as representing new beginnings?
Q2.'Attribution of human characteristics to non-human things' is the definition of ...
Q3.'Repetition of the hissing sound "s" in nearby words' is the definition of ...
Q4.Match the rhyming pairs.
larch
door
resign
earth
Q5.Which part of the body do we associate with rationality?
Q6.Idyllic means something ...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Arguably, Wordsworth's 'To My Sister' creates the impression that nature is ...
Q2.Wordsworth's 'To My Sister' employs a regular rhyme scheme which adds to the impression that nature is ...
Q3.'The combining of words to create a pleasing sound' is the definition of ...
Q4.'The repetition of vowel sounds in words that are close to each other in a sentence or phrase' is the definition of ...
Q5.'Listing connected with a comma instead of a conjunction/connective' is the definition of listing.
Q6.The quote "our minds shall drink at every pore" from Wordsworth's 'To My Sister' suggests that nature will fulfil their __________ side.
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Analysing how Wordsworth presents nature in 'To My Sister', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Analysing how Wordsworth presents nature in 'To My Sister', 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.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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