Starter quiz
- In the poem 'Cousin Kate', the speaker is frustrated with her cousin, Kate. This is an example of ...
- interpersonal conflict. ✓
- inner conflict.
- familial conflict. ✓
- societal conflict.
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- The Victorian era occurred between ...
- 1637-1701.
- 1737-1801.
- 1837-1901. ✓
- 1937-2001.
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- What is context?
- the language and methods most commonly used by a writer
- the background, environment and circumstances that inform the meaning of a text ✓
- the type of text it is (e.g. romance, horror)
- how a text is organised on a page
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- Which of the following words are conjunctions?
- has
- because ✓
- effectively
- but ✓
- poem
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- What is inference?
- supporting material for claims or arguments in a text or discussion
- drawing conclusions from evidence, reasoning or context within a text ✓
- circumstances, background or setting that influences understanding of a text
- central argument or main claim of an analytical response
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- What does inequality mean?
- uneven distribution of resources, opportunities or treatment among individuals ✓
- fairness in treatment, rights or opportunities for all individuals
- forced removal from one's homeland or society, often as a punishment
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Exit quiz
- What does 'predatory' mean?
- showing kindness and empathy towards others
- consistently adhering to rules, principles or routines
- exploitative behaviour aimed at taking advantage of others ✓
- possessing a compelling charm or attractiveness
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- What is a patriarchal society?
- a social system dominated by women, with power centered around female authority
- a social system dominated by men, with power centered around male authority ✓
- a social system dominated by faith, with power centered around religious leaders
- a social system dominated by money, with power centered around the upper classes
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- Victorian women were expected to be ...
- morally pure. ✓
- outspoken.
- silent.
- physically strong.
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- Starting with the first, put these events from 'Cousin Kate' in chronological order.
- 1⇔The speaker introduces herself and explains how she met a nobleman.
- 2⇔The speaker describes how he tempted her and corrupted her innocence.
- 3⇔She addresses her cousin, Kate who met and married the nobleman.
- 4⇔Kate's purity has secured her wealth, status happiness and popularity.
- 5⇔She then compares their love for the nobleman, suggesting Kate wants his money.
- What does the speaker reveal about herself in the final stanza of 'Cousin Kate'?
- she is dying from an infectious disease
- she has been secretly having an affair with the nobleman behind Kate's back
- she isn't willing give up and will continue trying to win back the nobleman
- she has given birth to the nobleman's son ✓
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- How does the speaker feel about her son in 'Cousin Kate'?
- proud and loves him ✓
- sad because he reminds her of the nobleman
- ashamed because he is the product of an illicit affair ✓
- worried that the nobleman will take away her son if he finds out about him
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Worksheet
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Presentation
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Video
Lesson Details
Key learning points
- The poem explores the conflict between the speaker and society's expectations of her as a woman.
- Victorian women had higher moral expectations placed on them than men.
- The speaker in the poem has been caught having sexual relations outside of marriage.
- Women were often considered the property of men at the time the poem was written.
- Rossetti explores Victorian gender roles in the poem, reflecting on the inequality of a patriarchal society.
Common misconception
This poem is primarily about familial conflict.
Although the speaker and Kate are family relations, the conflict between them is focused on their shared love interest and so their family connection is inconsequential.
Keywords
Predatory - exploitative behaviour aimed at taking advantage of others
Influence - something or someone that affects others' behaviours, decisions, or beliefs
Gender roles - societal norms dictating appropriate behaviours for different genders
Societal conflict - disagreements and struggles within a society
Patriarchal society - a social system dominated by men, with power centred around male authority
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