Analysing ideas of dehumanisation and apathy in Ghose’s ‘Decomposition’
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can analyse how Ghose presents ideas of dehumanisation and apathy in ‘Decomposition’.
Key learning points
- The use of iambic pentameter may represent how homelessness is a regular occurrence in society.
- The enjambment may represent how society and people continue without stopping to help.
- The metaphorical imagery of decomposition could represent the dehumanisation of the beggar.
- The final word “solitude” could represent how alone the old man is in society.
- The flippant language such as “thrown aside” arguably shows how dehumanised the beggar is.
Keywords
Dehumanisation - regarding, representing, or treating (a person or group) as less than human
Apathy - behaviour that shows no interest or energy and shows that someone is unwilling to take action
Flippant - not showing a serious or respectful attitude
Decomposition - the state or process of rotting; decay
Common misconception
The final word of a poem is an unimportant detail.
The final word of the poem offers us the lasting impression of the poem's message.
Teacher tip
It might be useful to recap Ghose's 'Decomposition' at the start of the lesson if students have not read it recently.
Equipment
You will need a copy of the Eduqas 2025 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 of the following is an accurate summary of Ghose's 'Decomposition'?
Q2.Which of the following has the definition 'the quality or state of being alone or remote from society'?
Q3.'The running-over of a sentence or phrase from one poetic line to the next' is the definition of which of the following?
Q4.Which of the following is the definition of 'downtrodden'?
Q5.'To regard, represent, or treat (a person or group) as less than human' is the definition of which word beginning with 'd'?
Q6.'Behaviour that shows no interest or energy and shows that someone is unwilling to take action' is the definition of which word beginning with 'a'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In Ghose's 'Decomposition' which of the following is the old man compared to?
Q2.Which of the following is the final word of Ghose's 'Decomposition'?
Q3.Which type of rhythm does Ghose use in 'Decomposition'?
Q4.The phrase "thrown aside" in Ghose's 'Decomposition' implies which of the following?
Q5.'Not showing a serious or respectful attitude' is the definition of which of the following?
Q6.'The state or process of rotting; decay' is the definition of which word beginning with 'd'?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Analysing ideas of dehumanisation and apathy in Ghose’s ‘Decomposition’, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Analysing ideas of dehumanisation and apathy in Ghose’s ‘Decomposition’, 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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Explore more key stage 4 English lessons from the Poetry anthology (Assessment from summer 2027) unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.