Edexcel English Literature GCSE

Unit 2: Understanding Poetry

04/01/07

To explore how McMillan uses imagery and

structure to communicate emotions related to the

loss of his mother.

USING THE SENSES

Describe your surroundings using sensory phrases:

• What can you hear?

• What can you see?

• What can you feel?

• What can you taste?

• What can you smell?

HEIGHTENED SENSES

Certain things can heighten the senses. If you are in the dark for

instance you may have a heightened sense of hearing.

Extremes of emotion can also heighten the senses.

E.g. Fear could enhance your hearing – you can hear your own

heartbeat that you are usually not aware of.

LISTENING TO THE POEM

Listen for references to the senses as the poem is read.

READ THROUGH POEM

YOURSELF

Underline or highlight the references to the senses

What is the effect of these heightened sensory phrases?

WATCH VIDEO

Take notes as we go on McMillan’s inspiration and his reasons for

the form of the poem etc.

Fill in the worksheet making links between the poems

READ REVISION HELP

Highlight the important points that you think you need to

concentrate on when revising