Explaining comparative imagery in unseen poetry
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can understand and explain the use of comparative imagery in a poem.
Key learning points
- Analysing comparative imagery can offer a rich textual analysis.
- Arguably, similes and metaphors are conceptually different.
- The comparative imagery throughout ‘Mother, Diving’ could show how the mother has found freedom.
- The comparative imagery could also represent the mother subverting maternal stereotypes.
Keywords
Conceptualise - form a concept or idea of (something)
Vulnerable - able to be easily hurt, influenced, or attacked
Conquer - to overcome (an obstacle, feeling, desire, etc)
Transformation - a complete change in the appearance or character of something or someone
Common misconception
That similes and metaphors are interchangeable.
Similes and metaphors are conceptually different since, in a simile, one thing does not become another while in a metaphor they do become each other.
Teacher tip
It may be useful for pupils to share which comparative image they would choose to show the idea of conscious construction behind a poem.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of Andrew Forster's 'Mother, Diving'. It's available in the additional materials.
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.'A figure of speech that involves comparing two unlike things using the words 'like' or 'as' ' is the definition of a ...
Q2.'A guess that you make or an opinion that you form based on the information that you have' is the definition of an ...
Q3.'A figure of speech that involves comparing two things using the verb 'to be' ' is the definition of a ...
Q4.Birds in literature generally represent ...
Q5.To 'taunt' someone means to ...
Q6.Stereotypically, we associate mothers with ideas of ...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.'Form a concept or idea of (something)' is the definition of .
Q2.'Able to be easily hurt, influenced, or attacked' is the definition of being .
Q3.Which of the following is a fair summary of Forster's 'Mother, Diving'?
Q4.Which comparative image in Forster's 'Mother, Diving' could suggest the subversion of maternal stereotypes?
Q5.'To overcome (an obstacle, feeling, desire, etc)' is the definition of .
Q6.Forster's choice to use a metaphor as the final comparative image in 'Mother, Diving' could suggest ...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Explaining comparative imagery in unseen poetry, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Explaining comparative imagery in unseen poetry, 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 Unseen poetry unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.