Understanding ideas of dehumanisation and apathy in Ghose’s ‘Decomposition’
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can understand how Ghose presents ideas of dehumanisation and apathy in relation to art in ‘Decomposition’.
Key learning points
- The speaker describes a picture of an old beggar in the streets and they initially think of it as art.
- At the end of the poem, the speaker reflects on their presumption to create art out of suffering.
- Arguably, the poem represents the dehumanisation of homeless people.
- Furthermore, the poem represents the apathy that society feels towards homeless people.
- Potentially, Ghose could be suggesting that creating art out of human suffering contributes to their dehumanisation.
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
Decomposition - the process of decaying or rotting; a breaking down or coming apart
Glibly - showing thoughtlessness
Presumption - behaviour perceived as arrogant, disrespectful, and going beyond what is thought of as appropriate
Common misconception
Art is always meant to be beautiful.
Art can be a means of sparking discussion, representing political views, or addressing problems in society.
Teacher tip
After reading the poem, you could show the students pictures of homelessness to see what connections they can make between the poem and the photographs.
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.The title of a poem is __________ part of understanding the poem.
Q2.To be 'indifferent' means which of the following?
Q3.If we say someone is made of stone, which of the following are we most likely implying?
Q4.Which of the following has the definition 'the state or situation of being alone'?
Q5.If we say that someone is being 'presumptuous', then which of the following do we mean?
Q6.'To regard, represent, or treat (a person or group) as less than human' is the definition of which word beginning with 'd'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is an accurate summary of Ghose's 'Decomposition'?
Q2.In Ghose's 'Decomposition', how did the speaker initially feel about the photograph they took of the old man?
Q3.The speaker of Ghose's 'Decomposition' initially felt proud of their photograph, but how did they then feel after reflection?
Q4.Which of the following is the definition of 'glibly'?
Q5.'The process of decaying or rotting; a breaking down or coming apart' 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'?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Understanding 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: Understanding 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.
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 Poetry anthology (Assessment from summer 2027) unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.