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Year 10 - English

Analysing the poem 'The Man He Killed' by Thomas Hardy

'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 Hardy uses language, form and structure to convey the speaker's attitude to war.

Key Notes

  • The poem takes the form of a dramatic monologue.
  • Regular meter creates an informal tone as the speaker explains his actions.
  • The equal stanzas could represent the commonality of experiences of war.
  • Repetition and mirrored language illustrate a connection between the speaker and the man he killed.
  • Hardy uses informal language to characterise the speaker as a regular and relatable person.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • colloquialism: informal words, phrases, or expressions characteristic of everyday conversation
  • slang: informal language consisting of unconventional words/phrases specific to certain groups or cultures
  • interjections: words or phrases used to express emotion, surprise, or emphasis, often inserted into a sentence
  • dramatic monologue: a poetic form in which a single character speaks, revealing their thoughts, feelings, and motivations
  • commonality: shared features, traits, or characteristics among individuals, groups, or things

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The 'enemy' soldier was a similar person to the speaker - he did a similar job and was of a similar social status.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

The poem takes the form of a dramatic monologue. Regular meter creates an informal tone as the speaker explains his actions.

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

informal words, phrases, or expressions characteristic of everyday conversation.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: The 'enemy' soldier was a similar person to the speaker - he did a similar job and was of a similar social status. Correction: We only learn about the 'enemy' soldier through the speaker's perspective. In stanza 4, the speaker infers what the man's life was like and, in turn, reveals a lot about his life and motivations for joining the army.

More Lessons In This Unit

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