Analysing the poem 'Cousin Kate' by Christina Rossetti
I can explain how Rossetti uses language, form and structure to express her viewpoint.
Analysing the poem 'Cousin Kate' by Christina Rossetti
I can explain how Rossetti uses language, form and structure to express her viewpoint.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The poem takes the form of a dramatic monologue.
- It also uses many traditional ballad conventions.
- Juxtaposition may have been used to create tension in the poem.
- Rhetorical questions may have been used to convey confusion about the conflict women faced in society.
- Rhyme is used to emphasise and link meanings in the poem.
Keywords
Incredulity - being unable or unwilling to believe something; disbelief
Pastoral - literature idealising rural life and nature, often contrasting with urban experiences
Anaphora - repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences
Dramatic monologue - a poem where a single character speaks to a silent audience, revealing their thoughts
Ballad - a narrative poem, often set to music, using simple language, repetition, and a regular rhyme scheme
Common misconception
The speaker feels as though her cousin Kate has ruined her life completely.
While the speaker does feel that Kate has stolen the life she deserved/desired, she also feels that she can have the 'last laugh' since she has given birth to the nobleman's son.
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: Analysing the poem 'Cousin Kate' by Christina Rossetti, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: Analysing the poem 'Cousin Kate' by Christina Rossetti, 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 Conflict poetry continued unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You need access to a copy of ‘Cousin Kate’ by Christina Rossetti for this lesson. You can find this in the Edexcel Poetry Anthology (we will be using the ‘Conflict’ cluster).
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
- Depiction or discussion of sexual content
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
placing two or more elements side by side to highlight their contrasts
questions asked for effect or to make a point, not requiring an answer
repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive lines