Comparing Poetry

Power and Conflict

Revision

Starter: Read the

description of the
poem and write
down the poems
name and the poet
on your sheet.
Use your comparison grid to tick which poems fit into which ideas:
 In your exams,
you will look at
S.M.I.L.E. is a good the following
Acronym to help you
acronym to
remember what to look for
in poetry. compare poetry
from your
anthology and to
Structure write about
Meaning unseen poetry.
Imagery You need to compare
and contrast.
Language
Why are the poems
Effect different? Why are the
poems the same?
Venn diagrams - Good way of
revising the poems:

Poem 1 e. g: Poem 2:
Checking out
My History Similarities
 Topic Ozymandias:
Shelley
Similariti Contex Romantic poet shared
es t hatred of monarchy,
government and love of
nature. Focussed on the
beauty of natural
things; animals, plants
and the individual.
Langua Ideas of entrapment
ge and and being confined. E.g. imprisonment mind forgd
Imager
y The hand that
mocked them, and
the heart that fed
Structu Type of poem, shape, Moments of change,
re and number of verses,
form punctuation
Differenc Meanin About how nature is
es g/ always inevitably more
theme powerful than mankind.
London: William Blake
Romantic poet shared hatred
of monarchy, government and
love of nature. Focussed on
the beauty of natural things;
animals, plants and the
individual.
Ideas of entrapment and
manacles and ban.
About how human control is
powerful and can control
society and natural objects
(e.g. the Thames being
charterd).
Comparative connectives
When writing about the similarities and differences
between poems, comparative connectives are
useful to help you structure your ideas.
To show difference or To show
opposition to a point similarity or to
but add a point
instead both
however
similarly
whereas
on the other hand
likewise
alternatively also
in contrast to furthermore
differs from in addition
Point (AO1)
Answer the question How do the poets present
by showing you know
what the poem is
the theme of conflict and
about.
Inpower?
the poem Ozymandias, Shelley
Evidence (A01) explores the theme of conflict and
Blend you quote into power through the characterisation
your writing. of Ozymandias. He is presented as
an evil, tyrannous dictator cold
Technique (AO2)
Use subject specific command. Shelly uses alliteration to
terminology in your highlight Ozymandias evil ways. The
explanation/ repetition of the harsh c sound
could be used to emphasise the
Explanation (AO2)
Why has the writer rulers cruelty towards his subjects.
chosen a specific Additionally, the imperative verb
technique or word? command has connotations of
What do they
domination and could refer to his
highlight?
dominating dictatorship. However,
Can you identify towards the end of the poem we see
multiple meanings? that nature and time have decayed
the statue. William Blake was a
Relative to context
(A03) Romantic Poet who did not believe in
 Point (AO1)
Answer the question
In the poem Ozymandias, Shelley explores the
by showing you know
theme of conflict and power through the what the poem is
characterisation of Ozymandias. He is presented as about.
an evil, tyrannous dictator cold command. Shelly
uses alliteration to highlight Ozymandias evil ways. Evidence (A01)
The repetition of the harsh c sound could be used Blend you quote into
to emphasise the rulers cruelty towards his your writing.
subjects. Additionally, the imperative verb
Technique (AO2)
command has connotations of domination and Use subject specific
could refer to his dominating dictatorship. However, terminology in your
towards the end of the poem we see that nature and explanation/
time have decayed the statue. William Blake was a
Romantic Poet who did not believe in hierarchies. Explanation (AO2)
His poems focussed on the beauty and Why has the writer
chosen a specific
overwhelming power of nature.
technique or word?
What do they
Likewise, Blake also explores the theme of control. highlight?
The poet presents the theme of conflict and power
through the domination of the powerful people in Can you identify
London society. He describes the population as multiple meanings?
mind-forgd manacles. Blake uses this metaphor to
Relative to context
imply that the poor people of London are controlled
(A03)
by the government and people of a higher social Show you know what
hierarchy. The word manacles implies that their the rest of the poem
hands are captured and are incapable of thinking is about and you
for themselves. William Blake believed that know about the social
Grade What is written
Band

8-9 Shows an insightful and original comparison.

Effectively introduces precise examples to support
interpretations
Closely analyses he poets use of language, structure
and form.
Gives a detailed exploration of how the poets
techniques affect the reader.
Convincingly explores alternative interpretations.
6-7 Presents a developed comparison.
Integrates well chosen examples to support
interpretations.
Explores the poets use of language, structure and
form.
Examines the way the poets techniques affect the
reader.
Offers some alternative interpretations.
4-5 Gives a clear comparison of the poems.
Provides relevant details to support interpretations.
Explains how the poets have used some features.
 Now have a go!
Using the techniques we have been
looking at, answer this exam style
question using two poems you
have been looking at.

Explore the ways that conflict is

presented in Checking out me
History and a poem of your choice
Venn diagrams - Good way of
revising the poems:

Poem 1 e. g: Poem 2:
Checking out
My History Similarities