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Year 11 - English

Comparing women's conflict in the Edexcel 'Conflict' anthology

Conflict poetry continued

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupis read and analyse three poems from the 'Conflict' anthology. Pupils complete two lessons about each poem: one on understanding and one on analysis. At the end of the unit, pupils analyse themes from across the anthology and practise crafting a sophisticated comparative essay,

Lesson Summary

You will learn to make thematic connections between 'Poppies', 'Catrin' and 'Cousin Kate'.

Key Notes

  • The role of 'mother' and the role of 'lover' both create conflict in a patriarchal society.
  • Society's expectations of women have changed over time as people have become more progressive.
  • 'Cousin Kate' is useful for comparing conflicts thrust on women due to society's expectations of them.
  • 'Catrin' is useful for exploring the complexities of the mother-child relationship.
  • 'Poppies' arguably presents a more traditional depiction of motherhood whereas 'Catrin' challenges this view.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • patriarchy: a social system in which men hold primary power and dominate roles in leadership
  • maternal: characteristics associated with being a mother, such as nurturing, caring and protective qualities
  • perception: an individual's interpretation or understanding of a particular situation, object or event
  • altruistic: showing selfless concern for the well-being of others, often putting their needs before one's own
  • institutional sexism: discrimination embedded within organisations that disadvantage people based on their gender

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • We no longer experience gender inequality in today's society.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

The role of 'mother' and the role of 'lover' both create conflict in a patriarchal society. Society's expectations of women have changed over time as people have become more progressive.

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

a social system in which men hold primary power and dominate roles in leadership.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: We no longer experience gender inequality in today's society. Correction: Although today's society is much more progressive than Victorian society, there are still areas where gender inequality is experienced, although it is usually much more subtle and institutionalised.

More Lessons In This Unit

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