an attitude of hopelessness toward life and toward existence

intended to punish someone; severely high or unfair

lack of variety and interest; tedious repetition and routine

depressingly dull and bleak or repetitive

Analysing oppression and pessimism in Eliot's 'In a London Drawingroom'

English

In 'AQA World and Lives Poetry', pupils analyse how themes of identity and belonging are presented over a variety of poetry spanning different eras. In 'AQA World and Lives Poetry continued', pupils critically analyse the the remaining poems in the cluster, exploring these themes in a more nuanced way.

In 'Single Poet Study: Maya Angelou', pupils explored how Angelou used language, form and structure to describe strong bonds to people and place. In 'AQA World and Lives Poetry', pupils analyse poems from a range of cultures and traditions, exploring how themes of identity and belonging are presented..

Poetry anthology: first study

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

What could Eliot be attributing the oppression in 'In a London Drawingroom' to? 

In 'In a London Drawingroom' what tone does Eliot arguably create?

it could suggest the frantic changes of the Industrial Revolution

it could suggest a comforting rhythm of life

The rhythm of 'In a London Drawingroom' is very regular. How might this reflect in the poem's message?

there are no breaks or mental relief for the people living in the city

What could the single stanza structure of 'In a London Drawingroom' represent?

We might interpret the rhythm and {{}} in 'In a London Drawingroom' as enhancing an unrelenting sense of hopelessness.

the turning point of the poem where the tone changes

the pause in the middle of a line of poetry signalled by punctuation

 the continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line

tending to see the worst aspect of things

tending to remain neutral in your view of things

The Industrial Revolution most likely harmed who, or what, significantly? 

How could we describe the conditions for workers in the factories during the Industrial Revolution?

George Eliot would likely have been __________ of the Industrial Revolution. 

How many stanzas does 'In a London Drawingroom' consist of?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Analysing oppression and pessimism in Eliot's 'In a London Drawingroom'

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.