Conceptualising and analysing speaker and voice in unseen poetry
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can make inferences based on the use of speaker and voice in a poem.
Key learning points
- The speaker is different to the poet.
- A poet sometimes writes from the perspective of a speaker, rather than only from their own experiences.
- You can make inferences based on the speaker and voice of a poem.
- Some poems have a conversational tone, which helps to develop a personal connection with the reader.
Keywords
Speaker - the voice behind a poem or any written work
Perspective - the vantage point from which events of a story are filtered and then relayed to an audience
Agency - the power we have to pilot our lives in the direction we want to go
Tone - expresses the writer's attitude toward or feelings about the subject matter and audience
Conversational - an informal way of speaking that suggests you're talking to someone you're close to
Common misconception
That the speaker of the poem is the poet.
A poet may talk about their own experiences through the speaker, or they may be exploring another aspect of the human psyche and experience through the speaker.
Teacher tip
In order to help the pupils conceptualise ideas of perspective and voice, it may be helpful to have them think about how they would feel if someone else told their story.
Equipment
You will need a copy of Owen Sheer's 'Not Yet My Mother' which can be found in the additional materials.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
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