Skip to content
Oak National Academy
Oak National Academy
Teachers
Pupils
New
New
Year 11
Edexcel

Analysing the poem ‘In Wales, wanting to be Italian’ by Imtiaz Dharker

I can explain how Dharker uses language, form and structure to express her viewpoint and engage the reader.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils
New
New
Year 11
Edexcel

Analysing the poem ‘In Wales, wanting to be Italian’ by Imtiaz Dharker

I can explain how Dharker uses language, form and structure to express her viewpoint and engage the reader.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Dharker's use of direct address creates an intimate tone, one where we are hearing Dharker's inner most thoughts.
  2. Dharker's use of questions encourages the reader to reflect on their own sense of belonging.
  3. Dharker uses people or places that seem exotic and exciting, in contrast to the places where she grew up.
  4. Dharker uses archetypal descriptions to encourage readers to relate to the speaker’s yearning to live a different life.
  5. Dharker’s speaker assumes that all teenagers dream of living somewhere ‘more exciting'.

Common misconception

The poetic voice in the poem is definitely Imtiaz Dharker.

While Dharker uses some of her life experiences as references in the poem (Glasgow, 1960s and 1970s), there are also many examples which may not relate to her life. Arguably she is trying to seem relatable to all readers.

Keywords

  • Archetype - a typical example of a person or thing that everyone recognises.

  • Poetic voice - the style or persona a poet uses to engage and connect with the reader.

  • Conveys - communicates or expresses a message or idea clearly.

  • Tentative language - words used to express uncertainty or indicate personal interpretations.

  • Direct address - speaking directly to the reader or audience using "you" or similar terms.

You could watch some videos about fashion and trends in 1960s and 1970s to explore what Dharker may have considered 'cool' when she was growing up. Perhaps students could write their own stanza imagining what someone would say if they were trying to relate to today's teenagers.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need access to a copy of 'In Wales, wanting to be Italian' by Imtiaz Dharker (found in the Edexcel GCSE Poetry Anthology - 'Belonging' cluster).

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).

Video

Skip video

Loading...

Starter quiz

Download starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
The writer of 'In Wales, wanting to be Italian', Imtiaz Dharker, was born in Pakistan and moved to __________ just before her first birthday.
London
Zanzibar
Correct answer: Glasgow
France
Italy
Q2.
Which of these best describes the key ideas and messages of 'In Wales, wanting to be Italian'?
the joy of traveling to different countries
Correct answer: the struggle with cultural identity and longing for belonging
the history of Italy and Wales
the benefits of learning new languages
Q3.
Effective analysis writing usually begins with ...
a quotation from the poem you are analysing.
a relevant link to the wider context.
Correct answer: a clear topic sentence linked to the question focus.
an explanation of why you think the writer made the choices they did.
Q4.
What are literary methods?
Correct answer: techniques used by writers to convey their messages
approaches for editing and proofreading texts
how writers plan out stories or poems before writing them
how writers use their life experiences in their writing
Q5.
What does it mean if a writer 'engages' a reader?
They confuse the reader.
They critique the reader's opinions.
They avoid connecting with the reader.
Correct answer: They hold the reader's interest and attention.
Q6.
Which of these places best describes Zanzibar?
a bustling metropolis with modern skyscrapers
Correct answer: an exotic island with beautiful beaches and crystal waters
a secluded mountain retreat
a desert landscape with sand dunes

Exit quiz

Download exit quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
What is an archetype?
a unique and original character
Correct answer: a typical example of a person or thing
a complex and multi-dimensional personality
a specific type of literary technique
Q2.
Which of the following is tentative language?
definitely
Correct answer: possibly
evidently
Correct answer: implies
shows
Q3.
Which of these indicates that a writer is using direct address?
referring to characters in the third person
using descriptive language to set the scene
using lots of repetition to make you point clear to the reader
Correct answer: using "you" or "your" to speak to the reader
Correct answer: asking questions to engage the reader
Q4.
What is poetic voice?
the way poems are printed and published
Correct answer: the unique style and persona of a poet's writing
a metaphor used to describe poetic techniques
the length and structure of a poem
Q5.
How does Dharker create a connection between the speaker and reader in 'In Wales, wanting to be Italian'?
Correct answer: use of direct address (through 2nd person pronouns)
using a repeated refrain to emphasise the poem's central message
Correct answer: structuring the poem as a series of questions
using plural pronouns ('we')
describing in detail what its like to grow up the UK
Q6.
When we are producing analytical writing, it's a good idea to use tentative language when we are discussing ...
Correct answer: the writer's intentions.
how the poem compares to others you've read.
Correct answer: personal interpretations of the text.
your favourite part of the text.