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Year 11
AQA

Analysing unconventional relationships in the 'Love and Relationships' anthology

I can write about similarities and differences between 'The Farmer's Bride' and 'Porphyria's Lover'.

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Year 11
AQA

Analysing unconventional relationships in the 'Love and Relationships' anthology

I can write about similarities and differences between 'The Farmer's Bride' and 'Porphyria's Lover'.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Using correlative conjunctions allows for nuanced topic sentences that link ideas.
  2. Effective introductions explore a smaller variation in a wider similarity.
  3. Tentative language should be used to explore multiple interpretations.
  4. Using the active voice helps create clarity in our sentences.

Keywords

  • Correlative conjunctions - words used to link similar or contrasting ideas in analysis, such as 'both ...and ...', 'neither ...nor ...'

  • Dramatic monologue - a form of poetry written as an extended speech from an individual character

  • Symbolism - the use of symbols to represent ideas, emotions or themes beyond their literal meaning

  • Nuanced - subtle distinctions or variations within a broader concept or idea

Common misconception

Comparative responses are just a list of similarities and differences.

While identifying similarities and differences is essential, your comparative response should also articulate a clear argument that ties these observations together.


To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: Analysing unconventional relationships in the 'Love and Relationships' anthology, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Learning Cycle 1 focuses on writing effective introductions in response to poetry questions. You may wish to revisit an earlier piece of student work with a view to improving it.
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Teacher tip
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Equipment

You will need access to the poems 'The Farmer's Bride' and 'Porphyria's Lover' which can be found in the AQA 'Love and Relationships' anthology.

content-guidance

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
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Supervision

Adult supervision required

copyright

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the definition of a dramatic monologue?
a short poem with multiple speakers
Correct answer: an extended speech from an individual character
a dialogue between two characters
a narrative poem without any speech
Q2.
What are correlative conjunctions used for in writing?
Correct answer: to join two similar or contrasting ideas
to express strong emotions
to exaggerate descriptions
to create dialogue
Q3.
Which pair of correlative conjunctions would correctly complete this sentence: "__________ Mew __________ Browning use dramatic monologue in their poems."?
Either ...or
Correct answer: Both ...and
Neither ...nor
Whether ...or
Q4.
Arguably, what role does natural imagery play in 'The Farmer’s Bride'?
It emphasises the bride's beauty.
Correct answer: It illustrates the bride's vulnerability.
It describes the farmer's wealth.
It shows the couple's happiness.
Q5.
Which term describes subtle distinctions or variations within a broader concept?
Correct answer: nuanced
hyperbolic
alluded
symbolic
Q6.
What is being described here: 'The use of symbols to represent ideas, emotions, or themes beyond their literal meaning.'?
Correct Answer: Symbolism

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What form of poetry is characterised by 'an extended speech from an individual character'?
Correct Answer: Dramatic Monologue, a dramatic monologue
Q2.
Which of the following conjunctions can be used to link similar ideas?
However
Neither ...nor
Correct answer: Similarly
In contrast
Q3.
Why is using tentative language beneficial in our analysis?
it simplifies the argument
it eliminates ambiguity
Correct answer: it acknowledges that multiple interpretations are possible
it makes the argument sound stronger
Q4.
Which correlative conjunction would best fit this sentence: "__________ Browning __________ Mew describe dysfunctional relationships in their poetry."?
Correct answer: Both ...and
Either ...or
Neither ...nor
Whether ...or
Q5.
How could Andeep add more nuance to this connection: "Both 'Porphyria's Lover' and 'The Farmer's Bride' explore toxic forms of male control."?
Correct answer: by explaining how male control is exerted differently in each poem
by including more poems in the comparison
by simplifying the language used
by focusing only on one poem
Q6.
How does the use of a dramatic monologue enhance the portrayal of the narrators in both 'Porphyria's Lover' and 'The Farmer's Bride'?
it creates a neutral perspective
Correct answer: it allows the narrators to control the narrative
it shifts the focus to the community's viewpoint
it diminishes the narrators' influence

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