Podcast
Questions and Answers
In 'Ozymandias', what does the shattered statue of the once-great king symbolise?
In 'Ozymandias', what does the shattered statue of the once-great king symbolise?
the transient nature of power and glory
What does the repeated use of the word 'charter'd' suggest in 'London'?
What does the repeated use of the word 'charter'd' suggest in 'London'?
the entrapment and control exerted over the people
What does the poet's encounter with the mountain reveal about his feelings in 'Extract from, The Prelude'?
What does the poet's encounter with the mountain reveal about his feelings in 'Extract from, The Prelude'?
he feels insignificant and humbled by the natural world's vastness and strength
What theme is explored through the Duke's monologue in 'My Last Duchess'?
What theme is explored through the Duke's monologue in 'My Last Duchess'?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the focus of 'Bayonet Charge' by Ted Hughes?
What is the focus of 'Bayonet Charge' by Ted Hughes?
Signup and view all the answers
How does the poem 'Remains' by Simon Armitage portray the impact of war on soldiers?
How does the poem 'Remains' by Simon Armitage portray the impact of war on soldiers?
Signup and view all the answers
What theme is explored in 'Poppies' by Jane Weir?
What theme is explored in 'Poppies' by Jane Weir?
Signup and view all the answers
How does 'War Photographer' by Carol Ann Duffy contrast the darkroom with the scenes of conflict?
How does 'War Photographer' by Carol Ann Duffy contrast the darkroom with the scenes of conflict?
Signup and view all the answers
What metaphor is used in 'Tissue' by Imtiaz Dharker to discuss human life?
What metaphor is used in 'Tissue' by Imtiaz Dharker to discuss human life?
Signup and view all the answers
What theme is explored in 'Checking Out Me History' by John Agard?
What theme is explored in 'Checking Out Me History' by John Agard?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Poem Summaries
"Ozymandias" by Percy Bysshe Shelley
- Explores the impermanence of human achievements
- The shattered statue of the once-great king in the desert symbolises the transient nature of power and glory
"London" by William Blake
- Paints a bleak picture of the city
- Highlights socio-economic and political oppression faced by its inhabitants
- Repeated use of the word "charter'd" suggests entrapment and control exerted over the people
"Extract from, The Prelude" by William Wordsworth
- Reflects on the awe-inspiring power of nature
- The poet's encounter with the mountain leaves him feeling insignificant and humbled by the natural world's vastness and strength
"My Last Duchess" by Robert Browning
- Presents a monologue by the Duke, revealing his controlling and jealous nature
- Explores themes of power and objectification
"The Charge of the Light Brigade" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
- Commemorates the bravery and tragedy of British soldiers during the Crimean War
- The poem's rhythm mimics the galloping of horses, evoking the urgency and chaos of battle
"Exposure" by Wilfred Owen
- Vividly depicts the harsh conditions faced by soldiers in World War I trenches
- Portrays not just the physical but also the mental torment inflicted by war
"Storm on the Island" by Seamus Heaney
- Explores human vulnerability before nature's might
- The islanders' preparedness and resignation to the storm underscore the unstoppable force of nature
"Bayonet Charge" by Ted Hughes
- Describes a soldier's experience during a charge in World War I
- Focuses on the dehumanising aspects of war and the raw, instinctual drive to survive
"Remains" by Simon Armitage
- Explores the psychological effects of war on soldiers
- The speaker vividly recalls a traumatic incident, suggesting the lingering impact of warfare on the human mind
"Poppies" by Jane Weir
- Conveys a mother's emotional turmoil as she sends her child off to war
- Reflects on loss, memory, and maternal love
"War Photographer" by Carol Ann Duffy
- Delves into the experiences of a photographer who captures images of war
- Contrasts the serene setting of the darkroom with the horrific scenes of conflict
"Tissue" by Imtiaz Dharker
- Uses the metaphor of paper to discuss the fragility and interconnectedness of human life
- Suggests that power is not as solid or lasting as it may seem
"The Emigree" by Carol Rumens
- Presents the memories of an exile who longs for her homeland
- Touches on themes of displacement, identity, and nostalgia
"Checking Out Me History" by John Agard
- Addresses colonial history and the poet's desire to reclaim and validate his cultural identity
- Juxtaposes the taught colonial history with the poet's own heritage
"Kamikaze" by Beatrice Garland
- Explores the story of a Japanese kamikaze pilot who returns home, defying expectations
- Examines themes of duty, family, and the consequences of personal choice
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the themes of power, identity, conflict, and human experience in the AQA Poetry anthology, featuring 15 poems that deliver unique insights and interpretations.
