Comparing how poets present motherhood and maternal stereotypes in unseen poems
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can conceptualise and explain a comparison of two unseen poems.
Key learning points
- Comparing poems means we're finding the similarities and differences in how the texts approach certain ideas or themes.
- You might imagine two poets are in conversation about an idea to help with your comparison.
- Arguably, both Forster and Sheers demonstrate a shift in dynamic in mother/child relationships.
- Arguably, both Forster and Sheers comment on maternal stereotypes within their poems.
Keywords
Subtle - not very obvious or easy to notice
Stereotype - a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing
Subvert - to go against an idea or convention so that it might surprise or challenge the audience
Conform - to behave according to a group's usual standards and expectations
Maternal - of, relating to, belonging to or characteristic of a mother
Common misconception
That comparison involves spotting the differences between poems.
Arguably, the best comparisons are where there is an exploration of subtle differences within similarities.
Teacher tip
It may be useful for the pupils to imagine they are in the speaker's shoes in both poems and to consider how it might affect their relationship with their mother.
Equipment
You will need a copy of Sheers' 'Not Yet My Mother' and Forsters 'Mother, Diving' for this lesson. They are available in the additional materials.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
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