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Year 11
AQA

Analysing the poem 'A Portable Paradise'

I can explain how Robinson uses language and structure to present his viewpoint.

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New
New
Year 11
AQA

Analysing the poem 'A Portable Paradise'

I can explain how Robinson uses language and structure to present his viewpoint.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Robinson uses sibilant and plosive sounds to reflect the seemingly inescapable adversity the speaker faces.
  2. The colour and sensory imagery around the speaker’s “paradise” implies that it brings hope and peace to the speaker.
  3. The voice of the grandmother arguably reflects the impact of family on identity.
  4. The structure of the poem reflects the continual presence of the speaker’s heritage.

Common misconception

That descriptions of colours are only there to provide a visual aid.

Colour symbolism is deeply important to the meaning of the poem as well.

Keywords

  • Optimistic - hoping or believing that good things will happen in the future

  • Adversity - a state or instance of serious or continued difficulty or misfortune

  • Anthem - a rousing or uplifting song identified with a particular group, body, or cause

  • Uplifting - inspiring happiness, optimism, or hope

It might be helpful to talk through the extended metaphor of a "portable paradise" if the pupils haven't previously read the poem.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need a copy of the AQA Worlds and Lives anthology.

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Having an optimistic attitude means ...
Correct answer: feeling positive.
feeling negative.
feeling ambivalent.
feeling apathetic.
Q2.
Which of the following is an accurate summary of the use of extended metaphor in Robinson's 'A Portable Paradise'?
Correct answer: The extended metaphor reflects the continual presence of our heritage.
The extended metaphor reflects the damage humanity has done to the environment.
The extended metaphor reflects the oppressive nature of authority.
Q3.
In terms of colour imagery, white might represent ...
Correct answer: purity.
creativity.
Correct answer: emptiness.
nurture.
Q4.
Enjambment is the ...
repetition of sounds at the start of close together words.
use of words or figurative language to create vivid pictures.
Correct answer: continuation of a sentence beyond the end of a line.
turn of thought or argument in the sonnet form.
Q5.
A hovel is a ...
Correct answer: small, wretched, and often dirty house.
small, organised, and generally minimalist house.
small, clean house often used as a showroom.
Q6.
Which poems from the Worlds and Lives poetry anthology consider the themes family and identity?
Correct answer: 'A Wider View'
'A Century Later'
Correct answer: 'Homing'
'Shall earth no more inspire thee'

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following words does Robinson use to describe “paradise” in ‘A Portable Paradise’?
Correct answer: "fresh"
Correct answer: "white"
"pure"
"heaven"
Q2.
Something inspiring happiness, optimism, or hope can be described as ...
Correct Answer: uplifting
Q3.
A rousing or uplifting song identified with a particular group, body, or cause is an ...
Correct Answer: anthem
Q4.
Which structural device does Robinson use in ‘A Portable Paradise’ to create the sense of continuation?
caesura
Correct answer: enjambment
repetition
end-stopping
Q5.
In ‘A Portable Paradise’, by using words such as “trace” and “smell”, the grandmother is using ...
Correct Answer: commands
Q6.
Line 11 of ‘A Portable Paradise’ uses sounds in order to perhaps reflect the seemingly inescapable struggle of life.
plosive
euphonic
Correct answer: sibilant
mellifluous