Identifying how poets convey heartbreak in natural settings
I can identify similarities and differences between 'Winter Swans', 'Neutral Tones' and 'When We Two Parted'.
Identifying how poets convey heartbreak in natural settings
I can identify similarities and differences between 'Winter Swans', 'Neutral Tones' and 'When We Two Parted'.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The poets initially use barren and inhospitable settings to reflect despairing and hopeless emotions.
- The poets initially show fragmented relationships but these progress in different ways throughout each poem.
- Sheers is the only poet to shift to a more hopeful tone when the couple are eventually unified.
- Comparison questions require you to focus firstly on key ideas and then explore how the writers convey these ideas.
- A single paragraph outline is an effective way to structure a comparative analysis paragraph.
Common misconception
All three poems convey a negative view of romantic relationships.
All three poems begin by conveying a negative view of romantic relationships. This continues throughout 'Neutral Tones' and 'When We Two Parted' however 'Winter Swans' undergoes a shift to a hopeful tone by the end as the couple are unified.
Keywords
Bleak - desolate, harsh, and without hope or cheer
Inhospitable - unwelcoming and unfavourable, providing little or no comfort
Ill-fated - destined to end in failure, tragedy, or misfortune
Fragmented - broken into parts or pieces; lacking unity, cohesion, or continuity
Unified - joined or integrated, creating a cohesive and harmonious whole
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).
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
"our hands, that had, somehow / swum the distance between us"
"The smile on your face was the deadest thing"
"I hear thy name spoken and share in its shame"
It is part of a collection that deals with fragmented relationships
The poem's pessimistic tone is characteristic of the this poet's work
The poet was known for having many illicit extramarital affairs
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Oxymoron implies the partner's perception of their lover has changed
Pathetic fallacy symbolises the fragmented relationship
Visceral verb suggests the speaker now feels shame and regret