Starter quiz
- Both William Blake and Percy Shelley...
- wrote their poems ('London' and 'Ozymandias') in the 18th century
- were Romantic poets ✓
- were medieval poets
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- Which of the below provides an accurate definition of what it means to 'compare'?
- evaluate the similarities or differences between two or more things ✓
- analyse one thing and analyse another afterwards
- explore how much you enjoyed reading something
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- What is a topic sentence?
- an overarching argument about something that appears in the introduction
- a sentence that appears in your conclusion to summarise your argument
- a sentence that introduces an idea in each main body paragraph ✓
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- Why is it important to consider the wider historical context of a literary text in your analysis?
- awareness of society's beliefs/attitudes can shape our interpretations ✓
- it can help us to understand archaic (old-fashioned) words and phrases
- it shows that we know the text really well and makes our analysis more detailed
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- Which of these is a valid similarity between the poems 'Ozymandias' and 'London'?
- they both suggest how humans should be in awe of nature
- they both show how institutions abuse their power ✓
- they both advocate for human power
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- Which of these is a valid difference between the poems 'Ozymandias' and 'London'?
- 'Ozymandias' advocates for freedom whereas 'London' does not.
- 'Ozymandias' shows the struggle of nature; 'London' shows the power of nature.
- 'Ozymandias' depicts one tyrant; 'London' depicts numerous corrupt institutions. ✓
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Exit quiz
- When comparing 'Ozymandias' and 'London', why is it important to consider that Shelley and Blake were both Romantic poets?
- they both wrote poems about love
- they both reject powerful institutions ✓
- they are both fascinated with the past
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- 'Ozymandias' depicts the __________ nature of human power, whereas 'London' depicts the __________ nature of human power.
- incessant, ephemeral
- ephemeral, incessant ✓
- incessant, transient
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- What should you do at the end of a comparative introduction?
- narrow down on the similarities in both poems in relation to big ideas
- write a sentence about both poems/poets exploring overarching similarity
- explore subtle differences within the poem's similarities ✓
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- When did the Romantic period occur?
- 1500-1600s
- 1600-1700s
- 1700-1800s ✓
- 1800s-1900s
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- Complete the missing word: 'Romantic literature often focused on __________ experience.'
- shared
- individual ✓
- community
- romantic
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- How could Romantic ideas and conventions link to ideas of conflict?
- exploring power and oppression often considers individual experiences ✓
- writing about love always includes links to power
- there are lots of examples of power in everyday life
- writing about powerful leaders often includes critiquing society's decisions ✓
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Worksheet
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Presentation
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Video
Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Both poets critiqued the power held by institutions in society.
- Shelley focuses on the oppressor - King Ozymandias - and the tyrannical way he rules over his subjects.
- Blake focuses on the oppressed, exploring how corrupt institutions left people to suffer in abject poverty.
- Both Shelley and Blake were Romantic poets; their work critiques society while focusing on individual experiences.
- Both poets explore how power can be abused and advocate for an end to oppressive power.
Common misconception
The Romantics were known for writing about love and romance.
The Romantics are not to be confused with 'romantics' who may write love poetry. The Romantics most commonly wrote about nature and were known for critiquing the direction of society's progress.
Keywords
Succumb - giving way to the overwhelming power of another force
Condemn - express complete disapproval of
Futility - pointlessness or uselessness
Incessant - something unpleasant continuing without pause or interruption
Ephemeral - lasts for a very short time; fleeting and temporary
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