Analysing the poem 'The Emigree'

English

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

In 'Single Poet Study: Maya Angelou', pupils explored how Angelou uses her poetry to present strong relationships to people and place. In 'Edexcel Belonging Poetry', pupils analyse how a variety of different relationships to culture and place have been presented across time.

In this unit, pupis explore 12 of the 15 poems from the 'Belonging' anthology. Pupils complete two lessons on each poem: one on understanding and one on analysis. Pupils study the poems in a thematically linked order so they can complete comparative and thematic lessons at key points in the unit.

Poetry anthology: first study

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

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

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.

regarded as perfect or better than in reality.

 the repetition of a word at the end of a sentence or stanza.

The opening shows the speaker is daydreaming

The opening makes the poem sound like a story

The opening shows the speaker holds onto the bright perception of her country

How does 'The Emigree''s opening line support the speaker’s idealistic and innocent view of the past?

The use of free verse in 'The Emigree' could reflect a {{}} identity.

What is the effect of Rumen's use of personification in 'The Emigree'?

Rumens uses epistrophe which is a type of repetition in 'The Emigree'. What word does she repeat using epistrophe? 

Ultimately, at the end of 'The Emigree' the speaker feels __________ about her home city.

The speaker tells us she left her home country as a child.

The speaker explains her home country is "sick" because of oppressive rulers.

The speaker describes the language of her childhood.

The speaker tells the reader she does not have a passport.

The speaker describes how her city comes to her and she looks after it.

The speaker feels uncomfortable in her new city.

Starting with the first, put the events of 'The Emigree' in chronological order.

What image is repeated throughout 'The Emigree'? 

The speaker in 'The Emigree suggests her city is in a bad condition as it is full of {{}}

In 'The Emigree' what does Rumens personify?

Some of the big ideas explored in 'The Emigree' include....

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz