Writing in the Exam

AS Unit F661: Poetry and Prose 1800-1945 - Robert Browning

Writing Your Answer

• Use CLIFS to help you organise your analysis. You should aim to write a brief outline of the poem itself, followed by some detailed analysis. Context makes an ideal introduction, then dedicate a paragraph each to language, imagery and structure, using your knowledge of the form to bring them all together for your conclusion.

• Don’t try to analyse every line of the poem. It’s better to be selective and show the examiner you have control over the text. When giving examples to back up the observations you’ve made, use specific quotations from across the text. Remember to say which line they’re from. Show how your examples relate to the poem as a whole and explain the effect they create.

For example…

• DO say: The poem’s imagery is very much concerned with nature and plants, for example, ‘water your damned flower-pots, do!’ (l.2) and ‘Blasted lay that rose-acacia’ (l.69). The persona’s dislike of Brother Lawrence is shown by the way he describes his plants; it makes it clear how bitter he is as well as emphasising his hypocrisy. As a monk, he should be pious and holy but instead we see him slyly cutting Brother Lawrence’s flowers back: ‘Keep them close-nipped on the sly!’ (l.48)

• DON’T say: The poem uses a lot of plant-based imagery, for example, flowers, parsley and lily. This is because Brother Lawrence enjoys gardening and the persona ruins his plants.

The Exam Question

‘[quote from the poem]’Discuss the ways in which Browning presents [theme/motif] in [poem name].In your answer explore the effects of language, imagery and verse form, and consider how this relates to other poems by Browning that you have studied.

The Mark Scheme

AO1 Communication and Presentation - Articulate creative, informed and relevant responses to literary texts, using appropriate terminology and concepts, and coherent, accurate written expression.

AO2 Analysis and Understanding - Demonstrate detailed critical understanding in analysing the ways in which structure, form and language shape meanings in literary texts.

AO4 Knowledge and Understanding - Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which literary texts are written and received.

Marks (out of 30)

AO4 Knowledge and Understanding (10 marks)

AO1 Communication and Presentation (5 marks)

AO2 Analysis and Understanding (15 marks)

Total No. Of Marks Given Level of Understanding Shown

Band 6 26-30 Detailed

Band 5 21-24 Good

Band 4 16-20 Competent

Band 3 11-15 Some

Band 2 6-10 Limited

Band 1 0-5 Very Little

Choose a Question‘He alone breaks from the van and the freemen,He alone sinks to the rear and the slaves!’Discuss the ways in which Browning presents Wordsworth and, more generally, those who choose to join the established elite rather than follow the more difficult road of the liberal cause in The Lost Leader. In your answer explore the effects of language, imagery and verse form, and consider how this relates to other poems by Browning that you have studied.

And such plenty and perfection, see, of grass Never was!

Discuss the ways in which Browning presents nature’s power in Love Among the Ruins.In your answer explore the effects of language, imagery and verse form, and consider how this relates to other poems by Browning that you have studied.

Planning Your AnswerStep 1: Write CLIFS down the side of the page.

Step 2: Paying particular attention to the presentation of the given theme in the poem, make notes for each letter. Some hints on what to include are below:

• C Content – What does the title mean? Context – the significance of the setting.• L Language – how does the tone progress? How is this reflected in the language?• I Imagery – How is imagery used to present the speaker’s feelings? • F Form – Dramatic monologue! What is significant about this form?• S Structure – how does the structure of the poem add to our understanding of the

speaker’s feelings and Browning’s presentation of the theme?• Don’t forget to note down relevant quotes for the points you’re making.

Step 3: Think back to poems you could compare it to; ones that also explore the given theme. Make notes against CLIFS to indicate how you will compare and contrast the poems, bearing in mind that the main focus will remain the poem stated in the question.