Analysing the poem ‘War Photographer’ by Carole Satyamurti
I can explain how Satyamurti uses language and structure to convey the moral complexities of capturing images of conflict.
Analysing the poem ‘War Photographer’ by Carole Satyamurti
I can explain how Satyamurti uses language and structure to convey the moral complexities of capturing images of conflict.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Juxtaposing images are used between the second and third stanza.
- The poem is written in free verse which could increase the feeling of reality.
- Caesura is used after 'almost-smile', perhaps to reflect happiness being cut short.
- Arguably, the photographer is presented as a predator.
- Intense and vivid imagery is used to capture the realities of war.
Keywords
Gilded - covered with a thin layer of gold.
Ascot - horse racing event in Berkshire, UK, known for its fashionable attire and social prestige.
Privileged - having special advantages, or opportunities due to wealth, status, or position.
Symbolism - using concrete objects or actions to represent abstract ideas, concepts or emotions.
Caesura - pause or break in a line of poetry, typically marked by punctuation, creating rhythm.
Common misconception
This poem focuses on the moral complexities of war and conflict.
This poem is less about war and more about the stories we tell/hear/see about it. Arguably, Satyamurti suggests that there is no way to fully capture traumatic experiences like this since neither the picture nor caption capture what really happened.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Analysing the poem ‘War Photographer’ by Carole Satyamurti, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Analysing the poem ‘War Photographer’ by Carole Satyamurti, 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' unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You need access to a copy of ‘War Photographer’ by Carole Satyamurti. This can be found in the Edexcel Poetry Anthology (we will be using the ‘Conflict’ cluster).
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
Starter quiz
6 Questions
larger pause; marks the end of a sentence
brief pause, separates items in a list, or separates a clause
emphasises or separates a part of a sentence (like an interruption)
shows omission of words, trailing off in thought, or suspenseful pause
connects closely related independent clauses as one sentence
indicates direct speech (said by someone else) and quotes