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Year 10 - English

Understanding 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 presents internal conflict in this poem.

Key Notes

  • Taken from Blake's 'Songs of Experience', the poem helps children understand the negative world they live in.
  • 'A Poison Tree' explores the internal conflict of the speaker.
  • The poem arguably explores the dangers of repressing emotions, such as anger.
  • Blake uses natural imagery, a staple of the Romantic Era.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • wrath: intense anger or rage directed towards someone or something
  • foe: an enemy or opponent; someone or something opposed or hostile to another
  • extended metaphor: a comparison between two things emphasising their shared qualities, developed throughout a work
  • Romantic: linked to a historical cultural movement emphasising emotion, individualism and nature
  • critique: detailed analysis or evaluation, often highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and implications

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Blake was a Romantic poet and artist and thus was critical of many societal beliefs and attitudes, namely religion which was called into question in the Enlightenment period just prior to this.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Taken from Blake's 'Songs of Experience', the poem helps children understand the negative world they live in. 'A Poison Tree' explores the internal conflict of the speaker.

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

intense anger or rage directed towards someone or something.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Blake was a Romantic poet and artist and thus was critical of many societal beliefs and attitudes, namely religion which was called into question in the Enlightenment period just prior to this. Correction: The Romantics did acknowledge and agree with many Enlightenment ideas but, by and large, they were religious in their writing. Blake was a deeply religious man and his critique of religion was focused mainly on how it was interpreted by society.

More Lessons In This Unit

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