being distrustful of people - believing the worst about their intentions and their integrity

how the writer conveys their attitude towards their subject matter

giving the sense that something bad is going to happen

Analysing 'Afternoons'

English

In 'Poetry anthology', pupils compared the language, form and structure of a variety of poems. In 'Poetry anthology continued', pupils work on making more nuanced comparisons between poems.

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

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 is the first word in the poem 'Afternoons'?

How does Larkin present the domestic duties the mothers have to undertake in the poem 'Afternoons'?

A scene of young mothers taking their children to the park is set.

We are given an insight into the domestic lives of the couples.

We hear how much obligation and responsibility the young mothers have.

Starting with the first, put the events of the poem 'Afternoons' in chronological order.

As well as having a child, what else does Larkin suggest threatens a mother's autonomy in 'Afternoons'?

 the lack of autonomy of the young mothers

the emotional distance between the couples

the transition to using new technology in relationships

the idea that the couples no longer rely on conversation for entertainment

What might the fact that the wedding album is "lying" next to the TV in 'Afternoons' represent?

Match the vocabulary up to its definition.

Which words give us the impression of youth in the first stanza of 'Afternoons'?

Which is the missing season: summer, spring, {{ }} and winter?

Which is the final word in the poem 'Afternoons'?

repetition of words or phrases in the first part of successive clauses

expressing personal emotions or feelings in a poetic, musical way 

intentionally repeating words, lines, stanzas

an invented perspective or speaker used by a writer

He might be suggesting that this loss of autonomy is happening to many people.

It might be the time of day at which Larkin is observing these families.

It could be the metaphorical afternoon of a person’s life.

It could be the time at which the poem is being read.

Which of the following is not an explanation for the title 'Afternoons'?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz