Starter quiz
- What does the word 'maternal' mean?
- related to or characteristic of relationships between fathers and their children
- related to or characteristic of relationships between mothers and their children ✓
- related to or characteristic of relationships between siblings
- related to or characteristic of relationships between children and adults
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- Jane Weir's poem 'Poppies' is about...
- a soldier writing home to his mother while at war.
- a sister wondering if her brother has survived his time at war.
- a mother's grief as her son leaves for war. ✓
- someone who lost their father to a miliatry conflict.
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- Which of these emotions would you associate with Jane Weir's poem, 'Poppies'?
- grief ✓
- joy
- worry ✓
- jealousy
- nostalgia ✓
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- What is symbolism?
- comparing someone to an object to emphasise aspects of their character
- giving objects human attributes
- using the five senses to create a vivid description
- using concrete objects or action represent abstract ideas or emotions ✓
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- What is imagery?
- writing that is inspired by an image of piece of artwork
- descriptive language that appeals to the senses, creating vivid mental pictures ✓
- writing creatively, using your imagination
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- Why is it useful to analyse the structure of a poem?
- it's easier than analysing the language
- the order and progression of ideas can shape our interpretation of it ✓
- you don't have to use as many quotations
- it makes it easier to compare two poems
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Exit quiz
- What does the word 'parental' mean?
- related to the relationship between a mother and child
- related to the relationship between a father and child
- related to the relationship between a grandparent and child
- related to the relationship between a parent and child ✓
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- Match each type of conflict to the correct definition.
- inner conflict⇔conflict within someone's mind ✓
- interpersonal⇔conflict with at least one other person ✓
- external conflict⇔conflict caused by outside circumstances ✓
- What could the "rope" symbolise in Clake's 'Catrin'?
- the umbilical cord ✓
- the mother's patience
- the child's admiration for their mother
- the love between a mother and child ✓
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- Clarke wrote 'Catrin' just after...
- her eldest daughter left home for university.
- her first daughter was born. ✓
- her daughter left to fight in a war.
- her daughter's fifth birthday.
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- Which of these anthology poems is best to compare to 'Catrin'?
- 'The Man He Killed'
- 'Exposure'
- 'Poppies' ✓
- 'Half-caste'
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- Which of the following is an accurate comparison of 'Catrin' and 'Poppies'?
- Both poems focus on different types of parental relationships.
- Both poems are written from the persepctive of a mother. ✓
- Both poems are explore emotional trauma linked to war.
- Both poems explore themes of injustice.
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Worksheet
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- 'Catrin' is a personal poem reflecting Clarke's own relationship with her daughter.
- 'Catrin' reflects the internal conflict parents face as their children grow.
- Clear comparisons can be made to 'Poppies' as both poems focus on parental conflicts.
- Whilst 'Catrin' focuses on one conflict between parent and child, the message is a timeless one.
Common misconception
This poem is entirely autobiographical, written about Clarke's experiences of motherhood.
This poem was written just after the birth of Clarke's fist daughter so does reflect on her experiences of motherhood but the later scenes of a older child playing out are necessarily fictional.
Keywords
Parental - related to or characteristic of a parent or parenthood
Prevalent - widespread or commonly occurring within a particular area or at a particular time
Incubator - a medical device that provides a controlled environment to support the growth of (often) premature or ill babies
Inner conflict - psychological struggle within a person, often involving contradictory emotions or desires
Interpersonal conflict - disagreement or clash between individuals due to differing opinions, needs, or interests
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