New
New
Year 11
AQA

Understanding sub-text in unseen poems

I can unlock implied meanings, or sub-text, in poetry.

New
New
Year 11
AQA

Understanding sub-text in unseen poems

I can unlock implied meanings, or sub-text, in poetry.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Sub-text is the implicit meaning, rather than the explicit meaning.
  2. Understanding what symbols represent can help you to understand the deeper meaning of the poem.
  3. Personal possessions of loved ones can be used as symbols that represent the person.
  4. Understanding extended metaphors can help you to understand the sub-text of the poem.

Common misconception

That you should take imagery at face value.

Imagery in poetry is often metaphorical and symbolises a deeper meaning.

Keywords

  • Sub-text - the implicit meaning of a text—the underlying message that is not explicitly stated or shown

  • Deeper meaning - an abstract or hidden meaning behind something

  • Symbol - the use of symbols in art, literature, films, etc. to represent ideas

  • Metaphorical - not having real existence but representing some truth about a situation or other subject

  • Significance - the quality of being worthy of attention; importance

It could be useful to have students think about their own handbag/backpack in Learning Cycle One and think about what the contents might symbolise or say about them to help them conceptualise Fainlight's use of the 'handbag'.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need a copy of 'Handbag' by Ruth Fainlight and 'Poppies' by Jane Weir. Both are available in the additional materials.

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

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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6 Questions

Q1.
If someone carries "lipstick" around with them then it implies that they __________ about their appearance.
Correct answer: care
don't care
are neutral
Q2.
Repeating an image throughout a poem implies that it is ...
unimportant.
Correct answer: important.
Correct answer: significant.
Q3.
'The quality of being worthy of attention; importance' means being ...
Correct answer: significant.
inconsequential.
trifling.
Q4.
Having a "bandage" implies that you are ...
unharmed.
Correct answer: wounded.
anxious.
Q5.
'The use of symbols in art, literature, films, etc. to represent ideas' is the definition of ...
Correct Answer: symbolism
Q6.
'Not having real existence but representing some truth about a situation or other subject' is the definition of ...
Correct Answer: metaphorical

6 Questions

Q1.
'The implicit meaning of a text—the underlying message that is not explicitly stated or shown' is the definition of ...
Correct Answer: sub-text, subtext, sub text
Q2.
'An abstract or hidden meaning behind something' is known as a meaning.
surface
literal
Correct answer: deeper
Q3.
Fainlight's use of the word "carried" in 'Handbag' implies ...
that the mother feels at ease.
Correct answer: that the mother feels anxious.
that the mother feels happy.
Q4.
Choose one word from Fainlight's 'Handbag' that implies the mother wants to put on a brave face to the world.
Correct Answer: lipstick, mints, powder, Coty powder
Q5.
The reference to "sellotape" in Weir's 'Poppies' implies ...
that the mother is able to mask her inner turmoil.
Correct answer: that the mother is unable to mask her inner turmoil.
that the mother is physically wounded.
Q6.
The use of everyday objects to try and mask the mothers' grief and anxiety in 'Handbag' and 'Poppies' could imply ...
Correct answer: that grief is inescapable.
that you can compartmentalise grief.
Correct answer: that showing grief is not socially accepted.

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