Analysing tone in an unseen poem
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can conceptualise and explain the use of tone in an unseen poem.
Key learning points
- The tone of a literary work expresses the writer's attitude toward or feelings about the subject matter.
- In order to determine the tone, we might ask questions about how the poem would sound if read aloud.
- We also might ask questions about the use of punctuation, structure and language in order to determine the tone.
- We might interpret Fainlight’s ‘Borrowed Time’ as having a reflective or desperate tone.
Keywords
Mortality - refers to the state of being mortal (destined to die)
Reflective - showing or involved in careful thinking
Tone - expresses the writer's attitude toward or feelings about the subject matter and audience
Desperate - feeling or showing a hopeless sense
Frantic - distraught with fear, anxiety or other emotion
Common misconception
That the tone and mood of the poem are the same thing.
Tone refers to the attitude of the writer towards the subject matter while mood refers to the effect the writing has on the reader.
Teacher tip
It would be useful to pupils to share their ideas about how to answer the questions on tone for Fainlight's 'Borrowed Time' so that they can see there is no definitive way to interpret an unseen poem.
Equipment
You will need a copy of Ruth Fainlight's ‘Borrowed Time’ which is available in the additional materials.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
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