Analysing the poem ‘The Class Game’ by Mary Casey
I can explain how Casey uses language, form and structure to express her viewpoint about social class.
Analysing the poem ‘The Class Game’ by Mary Casey
I can explain how Casey uses language, form and structure to express her viewpoint about social class.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The poem is written in a deliberately colloquial manner to reflect the pride in Casey's roots.
- Rhetorical questions are used to force the reader to challenge their own prejudices.
- Contrasting images are used throughout the poem to contrast the differences between the social classes.
- The rhyming couplets used create a teasing tone and Casey does not take herself too seriously.
- Humour is used to soften the sense of conflict.
Keywords
Caricatures - exaggerated or distorted representations of people or things, often used for humour
Prejudice - preconceived opinions or attitudes towards a person or group, often based on stereotypes
Compelling - persuasive, convincing
Colloquial - language commonly used in everyday speech, often specific to a particular region or social group
Rhyming couplets - a pair of successive lines of verse, typically rhyming and of the same length
Common misconception
Casey's playful tone makes light of class conflict.
While Casey uses a playful tone which does lighten the mood of the poem, her use of repeated rhetorical questions foregrounds her more serious message about class prejudice.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Analysing the poem ‘The Class Game’ by Mary Casey, 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 ‘The Class Game’ by Mary Casey, 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 a copy of the Edexcel Poetry Anthology for this lesson to read ‘The Class Game’ by Mary Casey. We will be using the ‘Conflict’ cluster.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
unskilled or low-wage workers, least access to life opportunities
moderate income, 'white-collar jobs', some financial insecurity
substantial income and career, access to prestigious education
wealthy (usually inherited or business), lavish lifestyle, high status