Understanding the poem 'A Portable Paradise'
I can explain how Robinson presents ideas of identity and heritage.
Understanding the poem 'A Portable Paradise'
I can explain how Robinson presents ideas of identity and heritage.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Robinson moved to Trinidad aged four with his Trinidadian parents and then returned to England after fifteen years.
- Arguably, the title 'A Portable Paradise' can be read as an extended metaphor for the speaker’s Trinidadian heritage.
- Robinson might be suggesting that our 'portable paradise' provides an internal hope when life is difficult.
- Robinson may also be referencing the struggles of migration through the poem and the pressure to integrate.
Common misconception
That the idea of "paradise" is the same for everyone.
We all have our own concept of what "paradise" looks like and what it might mean in terms of our memories and connections to the world.
Keywords
Portable - light and small enough to be easily carried or moved
Heritage - the history, traditions, practices, etc. of a particular country, or society
Integration - the action or process of successfully joining or mixing with a different group of people
Metaphorical - something used symbolically to represent something else
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
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
light and small enough to be easily carried or moved
the history and traditions etc. of a particular country or society
successfully joining or mixing with a different group of people
something used symbolically to represent something else