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Year 10 - English

Analysing the Poem 'Kamikaze'

'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 Garland uses language and structure to explore the conflict between personal and national duty.

Key Notes

  • The pilot's national duty, reflected by the patriotic imagery and rigid stanzas, is to complete a sacrificial mission.
  • The pilot chooses to abide by his personal duty to experience the beauty of life in the present moment.
  • The use of perspective and pronouns reflects society's attitudes to the pilot's decision to turn back.
  • Abundant natural imagery reflects the allure and power of nature.
  • Nature is shown to have a more powerful grip on the pilot than the incantations of propaganda.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Incantations: a magic spell or charm
  • Patriotism: love or devotion to one's country
  • Alluring: powerfully or mysteriously attractive or fascinating

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Students may not recognise the use of different perspectives in the poem to represent distance.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

The pilot's national duty, reflected by the patriotic imagery and rigid stanzas, is to complete a sacrificial mission. The pilot chooses to abide by his personal duty to experience the beauty of life in the present moment.

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

a magic spell or charm.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Students may not recognise the use of different perspectives in the poem to represent distance. Correction: Explain to pupils that the dual narrative is a stylistic choice of Garland to show the mother telling the story to her own children as if she is not a part of it. She then slowly reveals the pilot is her own father.

More Lessons In This Unit

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