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Year 10 - English

Analysing how Shelley presents ideas of suffering in 'England in 1819'

'World and Lives'

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupis explore 12 of the 15 poems from the 'World and Lives' anthology. Pupils complete two lessons about each poem: one on understanding and one on analysis. Pupils study the poems in a thematically linked order so they can complete comparative lessons at key points in the unit.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain how Shelley uses language, structure and form to critique powerful institutions and express the concept of the suffering of ordinary people.

Key Notes

  • Shelley may have used figurative language to expose the parasitic nature of the monarchy.
  • Shelley could have used plosive sounds throughout the poem to emphasise the suffering of ordinary people.
  • Arguably, Shelley's use of enjambment references the continuation of the people's suffering.
  • Shelley's non-conformity to the sonnet form may link to his revolutionary call for change.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • plosive: sounds articulated with an abrupt release of air like "p," "b" or "t"
  • figurative language: uses words and ideas to suggest meaning that is not literally true
  • euphony: using soft vowels or consonants, to create a pleasing sound
  • revolutionary: involving or causing a complete or dramatic change
  • sonnet: a poetic form consisting of 14 lines, written in iambic pentameter, typically on the topic of love

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • That enjambment simply creates flow in a poem.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Shelley may have used figurative language to expose the parasitic nature of the monarchy. Shelley could have used plosive sounds throughout the poem to emphasise the suffering of ordinary people.

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

sounds articulated with an abrupt release of air like "p," "b" or "t".

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: That enjambment simply creates flow in a poem. Correction: Enjambment usually links to the conceptual continuation of an idea of theme within the poem.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 English guide library.