Starter quiz
- If someone carries "lipstick" around with them then it implies that they __________ about their appearance.
- care ✓
- don't care
- are neutral
-
- Repeating an image throughout a poem implies that it is ...
- unimportant.
- important. ✓
- significant. ✓
-
- 'The quality of being worthy of attention; importance' means being ...
- significant. ✓
- inconsequential.
- trifling.
-
- Having a "bandage" implies that you are ...
- unharmed.
- wounded. ✓
- anxious.
-
- 'The use of symbols in art, literature, films, etc. to represent ideas' is the definition of ...
- 'symbolism' ✓
- 'Not having real existence but representing some truth about a situation or other subject' is the definition of ...
- 'metaphorical' ✓
Exit quiz
- 'The implicit meaning of a text—the underlying message that is not explicitly stated or shown' is the definition of ...
- 'sub-text' ✓
- 'An abstract or hidden meaning behind something' is known as a ______ meaning.
- surface
- literal
- deeper ✓
-
- Fainlight's use of the word "carried" in 'Handbag' implies ...
- that the mother feels at ease.
- that the mother feels anxious. ✓
- that the mother feels happy.
-
- Choose one word from Fainlight's 'Handbag' that implies the mother wants to put on a brave face to the world.
- 'lipstick' ✓
- The reference to "sellotape" in Weir's 'Poppies' implies ...
- that the mother is able to mask her inner turmoil.
- that the mother is unable to mask her inner turmoil. ✓
- that the mother is physically wounded.
-
- The use of everyday objects to try and mask the mothers' grief and anxiety in 'Handbag' and 'Poppies' could imply ...
- that grief is inescapable. ✓
- that you can compartmentalise grief.
- that showing grief is not socially accepted. ✓
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Worksheet
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Sub-text is the implicit meaning, rather than the explicit meaning.
- Understanding what symbols represent can help you to understand the deeper meaning of the poem.
- Personal possessions of loved ones can be used as symbols that represent the person.
- Understanding extended metaphors can help you to understand the sub-text of the poem.
Common misconception
That you should take imagery at face value.
Imagery in poetry is often metaphorical and symbolises a deeper meaning.
Keywords
Sub-text - the implicit meaning of a text—the underlying message that is not explicitly stated or shown
Deeper meaning - an abstract or hidden meaning behind something
Symbol - the use of symbols in art, literature, films, etc. to represent ideas
Metaphorical - not having real existence but representing some truth about a situation or other subject
Significance - the quality of being worthy of attention; importance
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