Analysing the poem 'Love's Philosophy' by Percy Bysshe Shelley
I can explore how Shelley uses language, form and structure to express a powerful desire for someone else.
Analysing the poem 'Love's Philosophy' by Percy Bysshe Shelley
I can explore how Shelley uses language, form and structure to express a powerful desire for someone else.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Shelley uses natural imagery to create an idyllic and idealised natural landscape.
- Shelley uses religious imagery to suggest that natural symmetry is divine.
- Shelley uses sensual verbs to convey his desire for physical intimacy with his partner.
- Shelley uses rhetorical questions to suggest his frustration in his failure to woo his lover.
- Shelley uses form and structure to subtly reinforce the importance of coupling.
Keywords
Divine - supremely excellent, like God (or the work of God)
Rhetorical questions - asked for effect or to provoke thought, not requiring an answer
Sensual - relating to the senses, especially pleasure derived from physical gratification or aesthetic experiences
Religious imagery - symbols or representations evoking spiritual themes
Trochaic meter - poetic rhythm with stressed syllables followed by unstressed syllables, like ‘footsteps’ or ‘poetry'
Common misconception
This poem is only about a Romantic view of love (from an abstract, philosophical perspective).
This poem appears to have an ulterior motive. Shelley uses language, form and structure to subtly persuade the listener to enter into a romantic relationship with him.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Analysing the poem 'Love's Philosophy' by Percy Bysshe Shelley, 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 'Love's Philosophy' by Percy Bysshe Shelley, 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 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 'Love's Philosophy' by Percy Bysshe Shelley. This can be found in the AQA Love and Relationships Poetry Anthology.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sexual content
Supervision
Adult supervision required
