FORM LANGUAGE IMAGERY Rs Rhyme and Repetition and reasons
THEMES STRUCTURE
Slide 3
This poem is about This poem is about a once great king looking
over his decaying kingdom. The statue is all that remains of his
reign. The poet is commenting on how leaders seem powerful when
they are alive but over time, like their kingdoms, their power
diminishes. Character.. Ozymandias was an ancient king who died a
long time ago. His ruined statue is all that is left. He meets a
traveller in the desert. Compare with My Last Duchess- the portrait
and statue are about preserving a person who has died. They also
both have arrogant male voices. The River God- they both have
strong male voices and were once both god/king like. Voice The
narrator is a statue of the old king (personification). He is proud
and arrogant. Ozymandias by Shelley
Slide 4
FORM- this poem is a sonnet, it uses iambic pentameter which
makes it flow like natural speech I met a traveller from an antique
land. LANGUAGE- The language is quite aggressive which could
reflect the kings corruption and power stampd/ mockd. Alliteration
boundless and bare. The statue is a metaphor for all human life (it
all ends). IMAGERY- Contrasts- arrogant and powerful / decay and
ruin. Sense of grandeur antique/ colossal /visage. Imagery of the
statue now decaying in a vast desert. Rs- unusual rhyme scheme
which suggests things are out of balance Appear/despair THEMES-
pride and arrogance Kings of kings. Power- the statue represents
how power fades over time. STRUCTURE At the end there is a sense of
loneliness and ruin the lone and level sands stretch far away. This
is a comment on the inevitability of human life.
Slide 5
This poem is about A duke talking to a visitor about a portrait
of his dead wife. We suspect that he may have killed her because he
suspected her of being unfaithful. The poem is probably based on
Duke Alfonso II of Italy. Character.. The Duke is a powerful and
arrogant man. He is dangerous and dominant. He is a Duke and
therefore has a high status. Compare with LGS- the Dukes power of
his wife is similar to the power the husband has in LGS. Medusa-
the Duke has the same emotional power of his wife as the husband in
Medusa. Voice The narrator does not allow for conversation. He
talks and poses questions without allowing the envoy to speak. This
shows how dominant he is. My Last Duchess by Browning
Slide 6
FORM- dramatic monologue. It feels as though the Duke is
talking directly to you which makes him seem powerful. The iambic
pentameter makes the poem sound like natural speech. LANGUAGE-
dramatic irony- the Duke never says what happens to her, we have to
read between the lines. Some quite sinister language. IMAGERY- rich
and expensive imagery- talks about possessions. Rs- rhyming
couplets make the narrator seem organised and educated. This
reflects his status. THEMES- Pride- the duke is really proud of his
possessions; the duchess being one of them. Jealousy he was jealous
of other men and hated the thought of the duchess cheating on him.
Power- power to control others. STRUCTURE the duke flits from one
subject to another, this makes us not trust him. It is hinted at
that he had her killed I gave commands. This makes him sound
ruthless. At the end he talks about other possessions he has.
Slide 7
This poem is about An old river god who likes women to swim in
him. He is possessive and cruel and will drown them if they leave.
Character.. The River God is an ancient power who was once loved
and worshipped. He is perverted and likes women to swim in him.
Compare with Ozymandias- both have arrogant, powerful male voices
who represent old civilisations and religions. On a portrait of a
deaf man- the river god doesnt value human life, in OPDM, the
narrator mourns his father. Voice The voice is arrogant and cruel
but also joyous and happy. This shows how he doesnt take death
seriously. Personification is used to create the voice of the God.
The River God by Smith
Slide 8
FORM- the poem is a dramatic monologue. 1 st person narration.
LANGUAGE-euphemism- the god suggests that the woman is sleeping and
not dead, he is deluded. Childlike language yippity-yap Women are
objectified focuses on her appearance. IMAGERY-Personification- the
river is personified as the god. The women are drowned- he refers
to them as sleeping. Rs-regular rhyming couplets which give a
song-like quality. This shows his merry side. THEMES-love- the god
desires women, he is obsessed with them. Arrogance- he is arrogant
and drowns women if they leave. Selfishness- he doesnt want to
share these women. Power- power to control others. STRUCTURE
enjambment makes the poem flow like the course of a river. At the
start, the god seems friendly and innocent. Only at the end do we
learn what he is capable of.
Slide 9
This poem is about A hunchback homeless man lives in a park. He
sleeps in a dog kennel and scavenges for food. Local boys mock and
taunt him. He images a beautiful woman who protects him.
Character.. We learn about several different characters including
the cruel boys and the homeless man. Compare with Give- both
characters are homeless and therefore outcasts. Horse Whisperer-
social outcasts. Voice The 3 rd person narrative voice tells us
about the characters in the park. We are made to feel sorry for the
homeless man. He does not have a voice; this shows how
insignificant he is to soceity. The Hunchback in the park
Slide 10
FORM- this is a narrative poem. It contains different
characters. We do not hear from the POV of the homeless man but do
understand how he feels. LANGUAGE-animal metaphors- they park is
like a zoon. The homeless man is like a dog. Perhaps the poet is
commenting on how badly people in society are treated by others.
Nature similes like the birds he came early- he has more in common
with nature than humans. IMAGERY-the homeless man is no better than
an animal- rejected and isolated from society. The woman he
imagines is beautiful and idealistic. Rs-repetition of natural
images. THEMES-loneliness- the homeless man is solitary and alone.
Lack of pride- the hunchback doesnt have any pride, he lives like
an animal. Lack of power- the hunchback is an outcast and therefore
has no power. STRUCTURE the poem is a series of observations. It is
based on the narrators memories.
Slide 11
This poem is about A young country girl bumps into her old
friend Melia. Melia used to be a made before leaving for the city
to work as a prostitute. She enjoys her new lifestyle and this
makes the country girl jealous. Hardy wrote this in a time when
Britain was obsessed with the great social evil. Perhaps he is
commenting on the hypocrisy in society. Character.. Two characters:
Melia and the country girl. They show two different life styles-
one moral and one immoral. Compare with LGS- the objectification of
women. How lifestyles can change. The hunchback in the park- both
feature characters who are deemed unworthy by society. Voice We
learn about the characters through the conversational style and
what is hinted at. The two women are friendly, jealous, and
condescending. The Ruined Maid
Slide 12
FORM- the poem is a dramatic dialogue. It is written in the
ballad form so it sounds quite light hearted. LANGUAGE- rural
speech is written phonetically to emphasis the change in Melias
speech. It is ironic at the end when he dialect slips back to the
country speech you aint. Patronising in places My dear, Melia now
looks down on the country girl. IMAGERY- contrasts between the hard
life of the country girl- looking like an animal, to the beauty and
grandeur of Melias new dress and jewellery. Rs-The poet builds up a
lively conversation through the rhythm. THEMES- Jealousy- the
country girl is jealous of Melia despite what she does for a
living. Pride- Melia brags about her new life. She is not concerned
by societys opinions of her. STRUCTURE at the start of the poem we
do not know how Melia got her riches. It is not until the idea of
being ruined is introduced we realise it was through
prostitution.
Slide 13
This poem is about A young women looking at a photograph of
herself. She has suffered a head injury and therefore cannot
remember her former life. She has to be reminded everyday that he
father has died. Character.. Alison- before and after her accident.
We feel sorry for Alison because of the grief she suffers. Compare
with On a portrait of a deaf man- characters have lost their
fathers and find it hard to come to terms with their grief. Also,
both feature imagery of physical decay. Voice Although they are the
same person, we get a sense that there are two different people
because of the use of pronouns I and she. This mix of first and 3
rd person narrative shows how confused she is. Case history: Alison
(head injury)
Slide 14
FORM-the poem is a dramatic monologue. The stanzas are broken
but linked through enjambment which reflect her memory. LANGUAGE-
language of injury- physical and emotional. Use of pronouns I and
she show a disconnection from her past life- almost as though they
are two separate people. IMAGERY- the idea of looking at the
photograph. Differences between how she used to look and now-
simile like a Degas dancers beautiful like a dancer. Rs-the grief
of loosing her father is repeated. Repetition of she shows how
Alison cannot identify with her former life. THEMES- Loss Alison
talks about what she has lost since the accident. Grief- Alison has
to deal with the death of her father everyday. Identity- Alison
struggles with knowing who she is. STRUCTURE it begins with
isolated lines which highlight how she cannot remember her past. It
alternates between 1 st and 3 rd person, showing how she flits
between ideas about the past and her life now.
Slide 15
This poem is about The narrator coming to terms with the death
of his father. He is angry at God for taking his father.
Character.. The narrator is the poet John Betjeman. He is
discussing the passing of his father and his lack of faith. We also
find out about his father- the good when he was alive and his
decaying dead body. The characters are based on real people.
Compare with Brendon Gallacher- both are about death and grief.
Case history- physical damage and decay. Voice The voice is very
accusing at the end when he addresses God. The poem is supposed to
be an elegy which should be a tribute but instead it is filled with
images of decay which show the poet cannot accept what has
happened. On a portrait of a deaf man
Slide 16
FORM-this poem is an elegy in tribute to his father. However it
doesnt follow the usual conventions of the form because of the
imagery. LANGUAGE- sense are really important because his father
was deaf. Oxymoron- discreetly loud highlight the importance of the
senses. IMAGERY- images of decay- shows his anger at his father
dying because it is not natural to think about bodies decaying in
the ground. Rs- strict alternate rhyme which makes the narrators
thoughts seem ordered. The rhythm is very regular which gives the
impression that the narrator is trying to keep his emotions in
check. THEMES- Love- the narrator loved his father very much.
Grief- the narrator cannot cope with the loss of his father.
Bitterness- he accuses God of being unfair. STRUCTURE first 7
stanzas are in 1 st person narrative about his father. He
alternates between pleasant memories and horrible imagery. At the
end he addresses God- this suggests that he has lost his
faith.
Slide 17
This poem is about The narrator is talking about his identity
and how he hasnt been taught about his black history and heritage.
He decides to create his own identity. Character.. The narrator is
a black man living in a white world. He has only been taught white
British history rather than diversity. He is angry and feels an
injustice because of this. The characters are based on real people.
Compare with Singh Song!- compare with the idea of identity and
cultural diversity. Case history- compare with the importance of
diversity and connecting with your identity and heritage. Voice The
voice is created through comparisons between what he has been
taught at school and what he hasnt. Checking out me history
Slide 18
FORM- the narrator uses techniques from oral poetry thats
written to be recited out loud. This ties in with the traditions of
black poetry. LANGUAGE-phonetic language and dialect- a mix between
creole and standard English, this shows the contrasts in his
background. Metaphors of vision bandage up me eye to show how blind
people can be to their own heritage. IMAGERY- images of light are
positive as they suggest an awareness or identity. Rs- repetition
throughout, strong rhythm and chant link- these are all oral poetry
techniques. THEMES- Anger- angry that his education has prevented
him from learning about his culture. Admiration- he respects the
people he describes in the poem STRUCTURE the poem alternates
between historical figures from black and white cultures to
highlight what he was taught and wasnt taught.
Slide 19
This poem is about A newly married man who has stopped putting
effort into running his fathers shop because he would rather spend
time with his new bride. Character.. Singh and his new bride.
Compare with Checking out me history- deals with the idea of
creating your own identity. LGS and Medusa- all deal with the idea
of marriage and relationships. Voice We hear from the voices of
Singh, his bride and customers in a light hearted, conversational
tone. The voice mixes between standards English and phonetic
Indian. Singh Song!
Slide 20
FORM- it features the voice of Singh and other characters such
as his wife. Song like verses and a chorus. LANGUAGE- phonetic
Indian English show influences and a mix of both cultures.
IMAGERY-we have the imagery of the shop and new bride. The new
bride goes against our stereotypical view of Indian women because
of how he looks and behaves etc. Rs- rhyme is used to give it a
light hearted tone. THEMES-love- the narrator is in love and very
proud of his wife. The wifes online dating agency shows modern
views towards love and relationships. STRUCTURE the poem alternates
between descriptions of the narrators marriage and his customers
complaints.
Slide 21
This poem is about The narrator is driving through the wrong
side of town with his children in the car when they see a punk
covered in tattoos. The children are scared by the appearance of
the punk. Character.. The narrator compares the punk to a clown.
The children are very afraid of the punk as they are not used to
seeing anyone look like him. The punk is said to look like a clown.
He is an outcast. Compare with Give - both are undesirable
characters, mocked by society. Checkin out my history- both are
about identity. Voice The punk does not have a voice because he is
an outcast. The narrator has sympathy for the punk and says we, as
society, shouldnt laugh at him. The Clown Punk
Slide 22
FORM- this poem is written in sonnet form. Its ironic because
sonnets are often associated with love. LANGUAGE- pixel Metaphor
compares him to a computer game or image to make him seem unreal.
Language about IMAGERY- The visual imagery of the punk is really
striking. Images of paintings he is covered in tattoos- this links
to his identity. Rs-it has regular rhyme at the start but then
changes to half rhymes in the middle. This shows that it appears
ordered but is actually out of order. THEMES- Pride- the punk
doesnt seem bothered by the reactions of others. Identity the punk
has a clear identity. STRUCTURE Initially he presents the clown as
an outsider on the edge of society. The poem is structured around a
brief moment. At the end of stanza 1 there is a broken stanza which
shows there is something wrong.
Slide 23
This poem is about A horse whisperer who was once celebrated in
his village before being outcast because people began to accuse
him/her of witchcraft. He/she takes revenge on those villagers.
Character.. The horse whisperer who is driven from their village.
The villagers also feature as an enemies. Compare with On a
portrait of a deaf man- both deal with the idea of loosing faith.
Voice We never learn the gender of the horse whisperer. This
suggests the horse whisperer speaks for all. The voice is created
through the violent and vengeful imagery. Horse Whisperer
Slide 24
FORM-the poem is written in irregular stanzas of free verse. It
is in first person narrative. It is suggested that he/she is
speaking for all horse whisperers. LANGUAGE-emotional language-
shows how attached the horse whisperer is to the horses. Metaphor I
was the life-blood shows how he is connected to these horses, part
of them. Language associated with animals stampeded. Alliteration a
new fear to fight the fear of fire creates a sense of urgency and
panic. IMAGERY- animals and witchcraft. This brings an unnatural
element to the poem and introduces the theme of revenge.
Rs-repetition of the connection between him and the horses. THEMES-
Love- the horse whisperer cares about the horses and wants to
protects them. Revenge- the narrator wants to take revenge on those
who have crossed him/her. STRUCTURE the first two stanzas highlight
how much the horse whisperer helps the horses. This makes what
happens to the horse whisperer later on seem even more tragic and
shocking.
Slide 25
This poem is about A woman who is suspicious that he husband is
cheating on her. She is very angry and vows to take her revenge on
him. Character.. The narrator is a female. She is transforming into
the Greek Gorgon a monster, as she gets angrier. Compare with LGS-
marriage and the role / power of women. Horse Whisperer- the theme
of revenge and power Voice Her voice is created through anger and
insecurity. She accuses and questions her husband. Medusa
Slide 26
FORM- This poem is a dramatic monologue. The jealous wife talks
the whole time. She questions and accuses her husband who doesnt
have a voice. LANGUAGE- The language of transformation- turning
into the monster. Language of insecurity a suspicion, a doubt, a
jealousy. IMAGERY- Violent imagery- she sees to enjoy hurting
animals. Rs- Repetition of Foul. She is becoming a monster,
something disgusting. Repetition of sight- links to the Greek tale
of Medusa. Sight can be loving or dangerous. THEMES- Anger- the
narrator is angry and bitter. She wants to hurt animals. Jealousy-
Shes is controlling and jealous of other women. Insecurity- Even
though she is angry, she worships her husband and wants him to love
her as much. STRUCTURE The womans anger builds up throughout the
poem. However at the end she seems insecure. We can also infer that
at the end she is going to turn him to stone/injure him when she
asks Look at me now.
Slide 27
This poem is about A young child who has a friend called
Brendon Gallacher. They are both very different. The child learns
at the end that the Gallachers have never lived next door. She has
to face the fact she is not real. Character.. The young child is
dissatisfied with her life and family and creates Brendon who is
the complete opposite. Their relationship is very pure and
dependent. Brendon is a manifestation of what she wants to be like.
Compare with On a portrait of a deaf man- both deal with the theme
of grief and loss. Case history- Both characters look to the past.
They both look to what they have lost. Voice The voice is very
child-like. Direct conversation makes what happens seem real and
more shocking as though she remembers everything in detail. Brendon
Gallacher
Slide 28
FORM- Rhyme, equal stanzas. Uses direct conversation. LANGUAGE-
Childish language- helps us to picture the narrators world.
Regional language- the narrator uses Scottish words to make the
poem and what happens more personal. Director conversation is used
to make the moment she finds out about Brendon more realistic and
shocking. IMAGERY- The description of Brendon. She has created
someone so real. Rs- This poem has a regular rhyme pattern and the
repetition of his name. This makes is sound songlike. THEMES- Love-
the relationship between the narrator and Brendon is very loving
and platonic. Sadness- Although he is imaginary, she feels the
loss. Control- My shows how he belonged to her. STRUCTURE The poet
tells the story in the order it happens. We do not learn that
Brendon is imaginary until near the end. We share the grief of
loosing him which is sudden And he died then.
Slide 29
This poem is about This poem is about a homeless person who
sleeps in doorways. He offers to entertain for money. Armitage is
commenting on society and homelessness. Character.. The homeless
man is begging for money. He seems desperate yet proud. Compare
with The Hunchback in the Park- both feature outcasts who are
homeless and shunned by society. Voice The homeless man is quite
sarcastic and bitter towards people who do not help. Yet he also
begs and says he will do anything for money. Give
Slide 30
FORM- The poem is a dramatic monologue. The poem sounds like
natural speech because the poet pauses and ends sentences in the
middle of lines- this is called a caesura. LANGUAGE- Some quite
magical/romantic language dear, stars, myrrh, are a stark contrast
from his social standing. IMAGERY- images of wealth- he talks about
expensive things he does not have. Some are linked to the Bible.
Images of entertainment- the homeless man discusses what he will do
for money. Rs- Irregular rhyme- make the voice seem realistic.
Repetition of You accusing the audience. THEMES- Pride- initially
the narrator seems quite proud and doesnt want to ask for help
directly. Desperation- at the end his situation seems hopeless.
Bitterness- He is angry at the lack of consideration and help.
STRUCTURE The narrator is calm and controlled at the beginning of
the poem. This changes and he becomes more accusing and bitter at
the end.
Slide 31
This poem is about The wife in this poem is talking about her
past relationships. She liked being in charge and single but
dislikes her married life. Character.. The narrator is a married
woman reminiscing about her past. She is discontent with her life.
Compare with Case History- both women look back to a time when they
were happy. They do not recognise the people they have become.
Medusa- both show marriage and the positives/negatives. Voice She
described men from her past as performing seals. She has fond
memories compared to her life now she is wed. The first person
narration shows how much her life has changed. LGS
Slide 32
FORM- The poem is from the POV of a female character. The poem
flows like natural speech, almost as though she is remembering
times past. LANGUAGE- Metaphors- the narrator lists metaphors to
describe men. They include buildings and animals. The language of
courtly love- seems very idealistic and romantic. This is
contrasted with modern language toy, plaything. Brings her back to
reality. IMAGERY- imagery of beauty and splendour. Rs- repetition
of metaphors. THEMES- Love- she talks about courtly love because
she liked the idea of being rescued by a man. Control- she used to
be in control but has now lost that control since marrying.
Identity- she no longer recognises who she has become. STRUCTURE
The poem begins with happy memories. These memories then become sad
when she thinks about her life now. The images of grandeur diminish
until she refers to herself as a bit of fluff.