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Year 10 - English

Analysing the poem 'What Were They Like?' by Denise Levertov

'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 Levertov uses language, form and structure to express her viewpoint.

Key Notes

  • There are many juxtaposed images of beauty and destruction in the poem.
  • The past tense highlights what is lost in war.
  • The poem ends in the present tense, creating a sense of continued loss.
  • The poem is written in free verse which could represent the lack of harmony and peace war brings.
  • Levertov uses symbolism and repetition to emphasise the contrast between life before and after the war.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • juxtaposition: placing two or more things side by side, contrasting them for emphasis or effect
  • free verse: a style of poetry that does not follow a specific rhyme scheme, meter, or other traditional poetic conventions
  • harmony: a pleasing combination of elements (e.g. sounds, colours) which result in a sense of unity or balance
  • culture: the shared customs, beliefs, practices and social institutions of a particular group of people or society
  • chemical warfare: use of chemical substances (such as napalm or Agent Orange) to injure or kill enemy forces or civilians

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • This poem takes a retrospective view on the Vietnam War, looking back on the devastation many years later.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

There are many juxtaposed images of beauty and destruction in the poem. The past tense highlights what is lost in war.

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

placing two or more things side by side, contrasting them for emphasis or effect.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: This poem takes a retrospective view on the Vietnam War, looking back on the devastation many years later. Correction: The poem is set in an alternate future, set after the Vietnam War had ended (and the US had won). It was actually first published in 1968, while the conflict was still ongoing. The war didn't end until 1975.

More Lessons In This Unit

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