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Year 10 - English

Comparing childhood in 'Sunday Dip' and 'Mild the Mist Upon the Hill'

'Belonging'

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupis explore 12 of the 15 poems from the 'Belonging' 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 compare how Clare and Brontë present ideas of childhood in 'Sunday Dip' and 'Mild the Mist Upon the Hill'.

Key Notes

  • Arguably, both poets present childhood in an idealised way.
  • Both poets use language to depict childhood as a place of safety and protection.
  • Arguably, Clare creates an excited, joyful tone while Brontë creates a reflective, joyful tone.
  • The use of regularity and enjambment in both poems could reflect the continual joy of childhood.
  • Romantics revered childhood and presented it in an idealised way.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • nostalgia: a feeling of pleasure and also slight sadness when you think about things that happened in the past
  • Romanticism: an artistic movement from the late 18th and early 19th century, focused on emotions and nature
  • revere: feel deep respect or admiration
  • idealised: to think of or represent someone or something as perfect
  • reflective: showing or involved in careful thinking; thoughtful

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • That society has always considered childhood as a space for play and exploration.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Arguably, both poets present childhood in an idealised way. Both poets use language to depict childhood as a place of safety and protection.

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

a feeling of pleasure and also slight sadness when you think about things that happened in the past.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: That society has always considered childhood as a space for play and exploration. Correction: Before the Enlightenment, children were generally considered small versions of adults.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 English guide library.