the continuation of a sentence beyond the end of a line, stanza or couplet

a pause or a break in a line of verse, often marked by punctuation

non-military individuals, often not involved in armed conflict or combat situations

unstable, liable to change rapidly, unpredictable or explosive in nature

complete disorder or confusion, lack of organisation or control; a turbulent or disordered state

Analysing the poem ‘Belfast Confetti’ by Ciaran Carson

English

In 'Edexcel Conflict Poetry', pupils compared the language, form and structure of a variety of poems connected by the themes of power and conflict. In 'Edexcel Conflict Poetry continued', pupils work on making more nuanced comparisons between poems.

In 'A World at War: Poetry', pupils explore how poets present the atrocities of World War One through their poetry. In 'Edexcel Conflict Poetry', pupils analyse how a variety of different wars have been presented through poetry.

Poetry anthology: first study

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Which of the methods below means 'a pause or a break in a line of verse, often marked by punctuation'?

They all convey a sense of speed/urgency.

They are all used to describe the speaker.

What do the following quotes from 'Belfast Confetti' all have in common: "suddenly", "explosion", "burst", "rapid", "stuttering"?

They are all taken prisoner by enemy soldiers.

They have to follow orders without question.

They feel like can do nothing to stop the violence happening on their doorstep.

They have to wait for the next election to give their views about the war.

How might civilians feel powerless in times of war?

Which two methods does Carson use in this quotation from 'Belfast Confetti': "What is my name? Where am I coming from? Where am I going?"?

There was no official declaration of war.

It didn't occur between two different countries.

Most of the fighting took place between 'unofficial' paramilitary forces.

Why did some people believe that The Troubles wasn't a 'real' war?

The chaos and fighting has turned their hometown into an unfamiliar place.

They want to leave Northern Ireland forever.

They are familiar with the landscape and know all the shortcuts.

"I know this labyrinth [...] Why can’t I escape?" What does this quote from 'Belfast Confetti' suggest about the speaker's feelings about Belfast?

During which conflict is the poem 'Belfast Confetti' set?

the nickname for fighters in the Irish Republican Army (IRA)

a slang name for the homemade bombs used during the conflict

a reference to many weddings held during The Troubles despite the conflict

the slang word used to describe the many paramilitary forces in/around Belfast

The title of this poem - 'Belfast Confetti' - refers to what?

the arm of military that work in the skies (aeroplanes, helicopters etc.)

soldiers who have been injured during a war and can no longer fight

group operating like military but not officially recognised by the government

when two opposing military forces are equally matched against other

Both sides agreed to share out Northern Ireland's cultural history between them.

Divisions increased and Northern Irish identity became very fractured.

Many nationalist supporters were chased out of Northern Ireland to the UK.

It didn't impact Northern Ireland's identity at all.

What impact did the Troubles have on Northern Ireland's national identity?

a division of the military who fight on horseback

something for a soldier to hide behind to avoid gunfire

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

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

Analysing the poem ‘Belfast Confetti’ by Ciaran Carson

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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