GCSE English GCSE English Literature Unit 2Literature Unit 2

Understanding Understanding PoetryPoetry

Learning ObjectivesLearning Objectives

All will:•develop interpretations of an unseen poem, supporting points with detailed textual evidence. Most should:•develop and sustain an interpretation of an unseen poem making concise and evaluative comments that are supported with textual references.Some might:•produce a sophisticated interpretation, with detailed analysis of language and structural features of the text.

In today’s lesson…In today’s lesson…

All will:•discuss the meaning of the poem and what it is saying about love and relationships.Most should:•include analysis of the connotations and impact of the poet’s choice of specific words and images.Some might:•explore how the structure of the poem complements its message.

Key questionKey question

What are we looking for when undertaking a critical reading of a poem?

Connotations of Connotations of language choiceslanguage choices

PEBBLEPEBBLE

CLAYCLAY

"Love seeketh not itself to please,Nor for itself hath any care,But for another gives its ease,And builds a heaven in hell's despair." So sung a little Clod of Clay,Trodden with the cattle's feet,But a Pebble of the brookWarbled out these metres meet: "Love seeketh only Self to please,To bind another to its delight,Joys in another's loss of ease,And builds a hell in heaven's despite."

ActivityActivity

• What are your first impressions of the poem? Write down one observation.

DevelopmentDevelopment

• How does Blake use “the clod of clay” and “the pebble of the brook” as metaphors for love and relationships?

Challenge question:Challenge question:• How does the structure of the poem

complement its message about love and relationships?