Understanding the poem ‘Letters from Yorkshire’ by Maura Dooley
I can explain how Maura Dooley presents the multifaceted effects of a long distance relationship.
Understanding the poem ‘Letters from Yorkshire’ by Maura Dooley
I can explain how Maura Dooley presents the multifaceted effects of a long distance relationship.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The speaker is enriched and comforted by her long-distance correspondence with a friend.
- Although their relationship is distanced, the speaker treasures it and looks forward to the man's letters.
- Dooley spent time living in the countryside so this could be a reflection of her longing to return to a natural setting.
- Dooley seems to depict an ambiguous relationship which could be platonic, romantic or familial.
- The speaker's admiration for her friend/relative causes her to question her own life choices.
Keywords
Sentimental - emotional attachment or value often associated with memories.
Ambiguous - having an unclear meaning or one that has multiple interpretations.
Platonic - intimate friendship devoid of romantic or sexual involvement.
Moral value - beliefs governing right and wrong conduct, guiding ethical decisions and actions.
Kindred - sharing similar qualities, interests, or origins.
Common misconception
The poem is about a long-distance romantic relationship.
The relationship between the speaker and the man who sends her letters is ambiguous; it could be platonic, romantic or familial.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Understanding 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: Understanding 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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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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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
relating to countryside areas, villages or farming communities
relating to cities or densely populated areas; modern and diverse
channels of communication, such as newspapers, TV, and the internet
relating to farming or cultivation of crops/livestock for food
embodying purity, goodness, and moral integrity
deep longing or intense desire for something
Exit quiz
6 Questions
intimate friendship without romantic or sexual involvement
often involving passion, intimacy, and emotional connection
characterised by blood ties, kinship, or close emotional bonds