Analysing the poem 'Catrin' by Gillian Clarke
I can explain how Clarke uses language, form and structure to express her viewpoint.
Analysing the poem 'Catrin' by Gillian Clarke
I can explain how Clarke 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
- Clarke uses the semantic field of motherhood to explore the duality of parental relationships.
- The semantic field of conflict is used to represent motherhood as a battle.
- The change in tense between stanzas reflects how this conflict is an ongoing one.
- Repetition of the first line implies this is an authentic account of a personal conflict.
- The use of abstract imagery in lines 9-16 can interpreted both physically and emotionally symbolic
Keywords
Duality - opposing or contrasting elements existing together, often symbolising balance or conflict
Semantic field - a set of words grouped by a common theme
Abstract imagery - descriptive language that evokes ideas, emotions, or concepts rather than tangible objects or scenes
Symbolise - when a writer uses a concrete object to represent an abstract idea (e.g. hearts symbolise love)
Manifestation - how abstract ideas or emotions appear in the real world (through behaviours, actions etc.)
Common misconception
Lines 9-16 of the poem use abstract imagery to convey the moment of the birth in the hospital room.
While this is one way of interpreting these lines, others have argued the abstract images could reflect society's unfair expectations of mothers and the nature of the developing maternal relationship.
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: Analysing the poem 'Catrin' by Gillian Clarke, 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 'Catrin' by Gillian Clarke, 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 ‘Catrin’ by Gillian Clarke 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 sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a set of words grouped by a common theme
descriptive language that evokes ideas, emotions or concepts
using concrete objects/actions to represent abstract ideas