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Year 10 - English

Analysing the poem 'Bayonet Charge'

'Power and Conflict'

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupis explore 12 of the 15 poems from the 'Power and Conflict' anthology. Pupils complete two lessons about each poem: one on understanding and one on analysis. Pupils study the poems in three groups, and they pause after each group to compare how those poems present common themes.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explore how Hughes uses language and structure to present the multi-faceted destructive impact of war.

Key Notes

  • Hughes shows the destructive nature of war through its impact on the soldier and the environment.
  • In medias res and the use of a chaotic and disorientating structure shows the inherent panic of conflict.
  • Hughes' complex combination of violence, human body parts and weaponry blurs the line between the human and machine.
  • Hughes subverts pastoral imagery to show that warfare destroys the environment, peace and innocence.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Harrowing: highly distressing
  • Pastoral: literature conveying the idealised version of country life
  • Dehumanise: deprive someone of the qualities that make them human
  • In medias res: opening in the midst of the plot

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Students may not initially see the natural imagery as relevant.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

Hughes shows the destructive nature of war through its impact on the soldier and the environment. In medias res and the use of a chaotic and disorientating structure shows the inherent panic of conflict.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'Harrowing'

highly distressing.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Students may not initially see the natural imagery as relevant. Correction: Explain to students that Ted Hughes was famous for his nature and animal poetry. He would have included these themes deliberately with a strong sense of purpose.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 English guide library.