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Year 10 - English

Analysing the poem 'A Poison Tree' by William Blake

'Conflict'

Unit Summary

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

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain how Blake uses language, form and structure to explore ideas of conflict.

Key Notes

  • There are repeated references to both day and night in the poem, illustrating the all consuming nature of emotions.
  • The extended metaphor of a tree is used to depict how negative strong emotions can grow.
  • The apple grown on the tree could symbolise the speaker's growing resentment towards their "foe".
  • The rhythm of the poem is straightforward and matter-of-fact, reflecting the everyday nature of these emotions.
  • Arguably, the ABAB rhyme scheme has a nursery rhyme feel giving the impression of it as a 'cautionary tale'.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • wrath: intense anger or fury often leading to destructive actions or outcomes
  • cautionary tale: a narrative designed to teach a lesson, typically warning against certain behaviours or actions
  • rhythm: the pattern of beats or sounds in speech or writing, creating a sense of musicality
  • symbolism: the use of concrete objects or actions to represent abstract feelings, ideas or concepts
  • extended metaphor: a metaphor that is sustained or developed throughout a piece of writing

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The speaker's foe was poisoned by the fruit he grew.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

There are repeated references to both day and night in the poem, illustrating the all consuming nature of emotions. The extended metaphor of a tree is used to depict how negative strong emotions can grow.

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

intense anger or fury often leading to destructive actions or outcomes.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: The speaker's foe was poisoned by the fruit he grew. Correction: At the beginning of the poem, the speaker seems to imply that the tree is metaphorical since it "grew" from the speaker's anger and resentment so perhaps the death of the "foe" could symbolise another sort of revenge undertaken by the speaker.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 English guide library.