Year 11 - English
Understanding ideas of dehumanisation and apathy in Ghose's 'Decomposition'
Poetry anthology (Assessment from summer 2027)
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupis read and analyse four poems from the Eduqas poetry 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 understand how Ghose presents ideas of dehumanisation and apathy in relation to art in 'Decomposition'.
Key Notes
- The speaker describes a picture of an old beggar in the streets and they initially think of it as art.
- At the end of the poem, the speaker reflects on their presumption to create art out of suffering.
- Arguably, the poem represents the dehumanisation of homeless people.
- Furthermore, the poem represents the apathy that society feels towards homeless people.
- Potentially, Ghose could be suggesting that creating art out of human suffering contributes to their dehumanisation.
Vocabulary To Learn
- dehumanisation: regarding, representing, or treating (a person or group) as less than human
- apathy: behaviour that shows no interest or energy and shows that someone is unwilling to take action
- decomposition: the process of decaying or rotting; a breaking down or coming apart
- glibly: showing thoughtlessness
- presumption: behaviour perceived as arrogant, disrespectful, and going beyond what is thought of as appropriate
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Art is always meant to be beautiful.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
The speaker describes a picture of an old beggar in the streets and they initially think of it as art. At the end of the poem, the speaker reflects on their presumption to create art out of suffering.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'dehumanisation'
regarding, representing, or treating (a person or group) as less than human.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Art is always meant to be beautiful. Correction: Art can be a means of sparking discussion, representing political views, or addressing problems in society.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Analysing ideas of belonging and heritage in McKay's 'I shall return' Study Guide
- Analysing ideas of belonging in Wordsworth's 'I wandered lonely as a cloud' Study Guide
- Analysing ideas of dehumanisation and apathy in Ghose's 'Decomposition' Study Guide
- Analysing the poem 'War Photographer' Study Guide
- Comparing belonging in 'I wandered lonely as a cloud' and 'I Shall Return' Study Guide
- Comparing ideas of art in Duffy's 'War Photographer' and Ghose's 'Decomposition' Study Guide
- Planning an extended written response on the Eduqas 2025 poetry anthology Study Guide
- Understanding ideas of belonging in McKay's 'I Shall Return' Study Guide
- Understanding ideas of belonging in Wordsworth's 'I wandered lonely as a cloud' Study Guide
- Understanding the poem 'War Photographer' Study Guide
- Writing an extended written response on the Eduqas 2025 poetry anthology Study Guide
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