Developing interpretations of ‘The Manhunt’ with Simon Armitage
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use Simon Armitage’s comments to develop my interpretations of the poem ‘The Manhunt’.
Key learning points
- Armitage highlights the power of writing from a personal perspective.
- Armitage believes art should provoke specific emotions.
- The structure and form of ‘The Manhunt’ reflect its content.
- Armitage identifies the “dark irony” of the foetus metaphor as the most significant part of the poem.
- Armitage’s ideas can help develop interpretations of the poem.
Keywords
Trauma - the emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing experience
Sentimental - expressing or influenced by tender feelings or emotions, often excessively
Repercussion - the effect or consequence of an action, event, or decision
Dispassionate - showing no strong feeling or emotion; detached and impartial
Common misconception
Most poems are deeply personal or emotional and written spontaneously from the heart.
Armitage suggests that writing poetry about traumatic events can be a methodical process. He states that keeping some emotional distance can be helpful.
Teacher tip
Consider using discussion as a way to respond to the videos.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the Eduqas poetry anthology for this lesson. The poem is also available in the additional materials.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Is the statement true or false? The poem 'The Manhunt' appears in a collection of poetry written by Simon Armitage, called 'The Lost Dead'.
Q2.Rhyming couplets are...
Q3.Who is the speaker in Simon Armitage's poem 'The Manhunt'?
Q4.In 'The Manhunt', what does Armitage compare the bullet to?
Q5.Which of the following statements are true of the soldier that was interviewed for 'The Not Dead' and described in the poem 'The Manhunt'?
Q6.In 'The Manhunt,' what word does Armitage use to describe the 'river which ran through his face'.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Why did Simon Armitage use Laura’s perspective in 'The Manhunt'?
Q2.Is this statement true or false? Armitage explains that his poetry is meant to reflect “hard truths” and not become overly sentimental.
Q3.According to Armitage, what is the significance of the irregular rhyme scheme in 'The Manhunt'?
Q4.Which word would complete this statement: Armitage states that it is important to create ' ' that provokes a specific emotion.
Q5.Why does Simon Armitage use couplets in 'The Manhunt'?
Q6.What does Simon Armitage identify as the most significant part of 'The Manhunt' and why does he consider it “deeply ironic”?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Developing interpretations of ‘The Manhunt’ with Simon Armitage, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Developing interpretations of ‘The Manhunt’ with Simon Armitage, 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 until summer 2026) unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.