Analysing the poem ‘Letters from Yorkshire’ by Maura Dooley
I can analyse how Maura Dooley presents the emotional effects of a long-distance relationship.
Analysing the poem ‘Letters from Yorkshire’ by Maura Dooley
I can analyse how Maura Dooley presents the emotional effects of a long-distance relationship.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Dooley uses metaphors to convey how the speaker yearns to have a closer relationship with the natural world.
- Dooley uses natural imagery to romanticise the man’s life in a rural setting.
- Dooley uses rhetorical questions to convey the moral value the speaker attaches to the natural world.
- Dooley's use of tercets could mimic the brief and fleeting nature of the communication between the pair.
- Dooley’s use of personal pronouns could mirror the ‘back and forth’ nature of their communication.
Keywords
Tercets - stanza of three lines in a poem, often forming a complete thought or unit
Alliteration - repetition of initial sounds in close succession for poetic or rhetorical effect
Romanticise - portraying something in an idealised or overly sentimental manner, often distorting reality
Inadequate - insufficient or lacking in quality, quantity or capability to meet requirements or expectations
Fleeting - brief or transient, passing quickly, often used to describe moments or experiences
Common misconception
The speaker of the poem has unrequited romantic feelings for the man and yearns to be with him.
This is only one interpretation of the poem. Alternatively, the reference to "romance" in L.5 could imply that the speaker romanticises the natural world that she is so distanced from in her urban landscape and yearns to return to nature.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Analysing the poem ‘Letters from Yorkshire’ by Maura Dooley, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Analysing the poem ‘Letters from Yorkshire’ by Maura Dooley, 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.
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Explore more key stage 4 english lessons from the 'Love and Relationships' unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You will need access to the poem 'Letters from Yorkshire' by Maura Dooley. This can be found in the AQA Love and Relationships Poetry Anthology.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
I
we
you
your
he
they