New
New
Year 11
AQA
Comparing ideas about transience in unseen poetry
I can compare ideas about transience in unseen poetry.
New
New
Year 11
AQA
Comparing ideas about transience in unseen poetry
I can compare ideas about transience in unseen poetry.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- The transience of life is an idea that impacts us all.
- The idea of transience is explored across literature, including many different poems.
- Arguably, both Laskey and Robertson consider ideas of transience in their poems.
- Laskey's 'Nobody' could relate to how we need to take opportunities in life when we have the chance.
- Robertson's 'Donegal' may relate to how our relationships with others are always growing and changing.
Keywords
Transience - the state or fact of lasting only for a short time
To muse - to think about something carefully and thoroughly
Temporary - lasting for only a limited period of time; not permanent
Optimistic - hopeful and confident about the future
Permanent - existing perpetually; everlasting
Common misconception
That the idea of life being temporary must always be a sad notion.
The idea of life being temporary might inspire us to live life to the fullest.
These are difficult concepts so it would be useful for pupils to share their ideas around transience as a whole class discussion to ensure understanding by all.
Teacher tip
Equipment
You will need a copy of Michael Laskey’s ‘Nobody’ and Robin Robertson’s ‘Donegal’ which are available in the additional materials.
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).Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
Building a snowman is something you can do ...
all of the time
never
Q2.
You're generally considered a teenager when you turn ...
sixteen.
twenty.
Q3.
'Hopeful and confident about the future' is the definition of being .
Q4.
A child's relationship with their parents is likely to __________ as they grow older.
stay the same
grow distant
Q5.
Ardent means ...
a lack of interest.
slightly enthusiastic.
Q6.
To muse means to ...
feel regretful.
think briefly.
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
Which natural image appears in Laskey's 'Nobody'?
flowers
sand
Q2.
Which statement about the father and daughter in Robertson's 'Donegal' is the most accurate?
The father is trying too hard to hold onto his daughter.
The father feels as if the daughter relies on him fully.
Q3.
'Lasting for only a limited period of time' is the definition of being .
Q4.
'Existing perpetually; everlasting' is the definition of being .
Q5.
Which of Laskey's 'Nobody' and Robertson's 'Donegal' arguably has a more optimistic tone?
Robertson's 'Donegal'
neither
Q6.
'The state or fact of lasting only for a short time' is the definition of ...
Additional material
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