Comparing personal responses to unseen poetry
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can compare and interrogate my personal responses to unseen poetry.
Key learning points
- You might begin to form a comparative response by considering which poem you have a greater emotional reaction to.
- Then, you might develop your comparison by considering which one you find more provocative, pertinent, or ambiguous.
- Comparing your personal responses can help you to understand how poets have created meaning.
- Interrogating why you react differently to poems can help you understand the world around you and yourself.
Keywords
Interrogate - to ask questions in order to seek answers or information
Ambiguous - something unclear or vague which is open to more than one possible interpretation
Pertinent - relevant or applicable to a particular matter
Provocative - cause a strong emotional reaction
Poignant - causing or having a very sharp feeling of sadness
Common misconception
That considering which poem you have a stronger emotional reaction to is not worthwhile.
Comparing your personal responses to poems can help you to see how the poet has managed to create meaning and mood through their writing.
Teacher tip
It might be useful for pupils to share which poems they have a stronger emotional reaction to, to see whether there are any particular trends or common ideas.
Equipment
You will need a copy of Michael Laskey’s ‘Nobody’ and Robin Robertson’s ‘Donegal’ which are available in the additional materials.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
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