Analysing the poem ‘Walking Away’ by Cecil Day-Lewis
I can explore how Day-Lewis uses language and structure to show the complexities of a father-son relationship.
Analysing the poem ‘Walking Away’ by Cecil Day-Lewis
I can explore how Day-Lewis uses language and structure to show the complexities of a father-son relationship.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Day-Lewis uses a simile to show the overwhelming pain he feels initially at the separation from his son.
- Day-Lewis uses natural imagery to convey how he feels his son is not yet ready to be independent.
- Day-Lewis uses a metaphor to suggest how although this is a natural process, it can be painful and deeply impactful.
- Day-Lewis uses the resolution to reveal how since the moment of parting, he has learnt the importance of it.
- Day-Lewis' use of a regular rhyme scheme could mirror the stable nature of parental love.
Keywords
Rhyme scheme - pattern of rhymes (similar sounds) at the end of each line in a poem
Resolution - the point in a narrative where conflicts stop developing and are resolved
Sacrifice - giving up something valuable or important for the sake of others or a greater cause
Nurturing - providing care, support, and encouragement to promote growth and development
Unconditional - absolute, not subject to any limitations or requirements
Common misconception
Analysis paragraphs should lead by 'feature-spotting' a technique and then linking it to key ideas.
The most effective analysis paragraphs lead with key ideas supported by evidence from the text, analysis of writer's methods, a justification of ideas and a link to the writer's intentions.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Analysing the poem ‘Walking Away’ by Cecil Day-Lewis, 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 ‘Walking Away’ by Cecil Day-Lewis, 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 'Walking Away' by Cecil Day-Lewis. This can be found in the AQA Love and Relationships Poetry Anthology.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the point in a narrative where the conflict is stopped
giving up something valuable or important for the sake of others
providing care, support, and encouragement to promote growth
absolute, not subject to any limitations or requirements