Maya Angelou’s influences: exploring ‘Sympathy’ by Paul Laurence Dunbar
I can explore the poem 'Sympathy' and use it, and the poem 'Caged Bird', to inspire my own writing.
Maya Angelou’s influences: exploring ‘Sympathy’ by Paul Laurence Dunbar
I can explore the poem 'Sympathy' and use it, and the poem 'Caged Bird', to inspire my own writing.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Angelou was inspired to write 'Caged Bird' after reading a poem called 'Sympathy' by Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906).
- Inspired by Dunbar, Angelou relies on the extended metaphor of a bird in a cage to present discrimination and injustice.
- Like Angelou, you can be inspired by texts you have read.
- A single paragraph outline is a way of planning a paragraph.
- First and final sentences of a single paragraph outline are written in full; supporting detail is written in note form.
Keywords
Extended metaphor - a detailed comparison which develops one idea over a number of lines, paragraphs or stanzas
Persistent - continuing to do something even when it is difficult
Methods - the tools a writer uses to create their work; extended metaphor is one example
Single paragraph outline - a way of planning a paragraph by writing the first and final sentences in full, and developing the detail of the paragraph in note form
Common misconception
Angelou copied Dunbar. Copying is not allowed.
Many writers learn from, and are inspired by, others. Angelou's poem is very different to Dunbar's - her personal style and voice come through - but the central metaphor 'speaks' from one poem to another, developing a relationship between them.
To help you plan your year 8 english lesson on: Maya Angelou’s influences: exploring ‘Sympathy’ by Paul Laurence Dunbar, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 english lesson on: Maya Angelou’s influences: exploring ‘Sympathy’ by Paul Laurence Dunbar, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 english lessons from the Single poet study: Maya Angelou unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You need access to a copy of 'Caged Bird' by Maya Angelou published by Penguin Random House in 1983. You will also need access to a copy of 'Sympathy' by Paul Laurence Dunbar (additional materials).
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sexual content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
narrator is a character, using pronouns like 'I' and 'me'
narrator speaks directly to the reader, using pronouns like 'you'
narrator isn’t a character; uses pronouns like 'he', 'they' etc.
a comparison that's developed over a number of lines
the purposeful recurrence of a word or phrase
when things are considered side by side to emphasise their differences
when two or more words close by start with the same letter or sound
the ability to keep doing something even when it is difficult
the unjust treatment of an individual or group
to fly high in the air
to treat someone as if they are unimportant or insignificant
Exit quiz
6 Questions
first sentence of a paragraph stating its main idea (full sentence)
ideas, methods key vocabulary for your paragraph (note form)
final sentence in your paragraph summing up main ideas (full sentence)