Analysing Hardy's presentation of the consequences of war in 'A Wife in London'
I can analyse how Thomas Hardy presents the devastating consequences of war.
Analysing Hardy's presentation of the consequences of war in 'A Wife in London'
I can analyse how Thomas Hardy presents the devastating consequences of war.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Hardy uses figurative language in Stanza one to create a foreboding atmosphere and foreshadow the devastating news.
- Hardy uses pathetic fallacy and symbolism across the poem to reflect the wife’s isolation, confusion and loneliness.
- The use of third person perspective creates a detached tone and gives the poem universality.
- The poem’s consistent and therefore predictable rhyme scheme reflects the inevitability of loss in war.
- Hardy uses punctuation to convey the wife’s shock as she struggles to process the devastating news.
Keywords
Foreshadow - when the writer makes subtle hints about what is to come
Morbid - showing an interest in dark or unpleasant subjects, particularly death
Gruesome - causing repulsion or horror
Monumental - great in importance or size
Senseless - extremely foolish - lacking sense
Common misconception
Students are quick to identify a poem's rhyme scheme, but they often fail to explain its effect or why it has been used.
In this poem, Hardy arguably uses the same rhyme scheme throughout to reflect the inevitability of death and grief as a result of war. The rhyme scheme becomes a pattern in the same way that death and devastation becomes a pattern in war.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Analysing Hardy's presentation of the consequences of war in 'A Wife in London', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Analysing Hardy's presentation of the consequences of war in 'A Wife in London', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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Explore more key stage 4 english lessons from the Poetry anthology unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the Eduqas poetry anthology for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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