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Year 8 - English

Maya Angelou's influences: exploring 'Sympathy' by Paul Laurence Dunbar

Single poet study: Maya Angelou

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils read and discover the work of Maya Angelou. They explore some of Angelou's most famous poems, such as 'Caged Bird' and 'Still I Rise', and practise writing and performing poems inspired by her work. As the unit develops, pupils find their own distinctive poetic voice.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explore the poem 'Sympathy' and use it, and the poem 'Caged Bird', to inspire your own writing.

Key Notes

  • Angelou was inspired to write 'Caged Bird' after reading a poem called 'Sympathy' by Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906).
  • Inspired by Dunbar, Angelou relies on the extended metaphor of a bird in a cage to present discrimination and injustice.
  • Like Angelou, you can be inspired by texts you have read.
  • A single paragraph outline is a way of planning a paragraph.
  • First and final sentences of a single paragraph outline are written in full; supporting detail is written in note form.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • extended metaphor: a detailed comparison which develops one idea over a number of lines, paragraphs or stanzas
  • persistent: continuing to do something even when it is difficult
  • methods: the tools a writer uses to create their work; extended metaphor is one example
  • single paragraph outline: a way of planning a paragraph by writing the first and final sentences in full, and developing the detail of the paragraph in note form

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Angelou copied Dunbar. Copying is not allowed.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Angelou was inspired to write 'Caged Bird' after reading a poem called 'Sympathy' by Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906). Inspired by Dunbar, Angelou relies on the extended metaphor of a bird in a cage to present discrimination and injustice.

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

a detailed comparison which develops one idea over a number of lines, paragraphs or stanzas.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Angelou copied Dunbar. Copying is not allowed. Correction: Many writers learn from, and are inspired by, others. Angelou's poem is very different to Dunbar's - her personal style and voice come through - but the central metaphor 'speaks' from one poem to another, developing a relationship between them.

More Lessons In This Unit

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