Understanding Poetry
Understanding and Appreciating Poetry
1
Note to Teachers
Set Poems 2012-2014
Teachers have been speaking about the lack of critical material on some of the literature set pieces (particularly the poems) selected for study at the Caribbean O’Level. Diverse interpretations make an exploration of literary material interesting and expansive. This guide to the study of ‘set’ poems is a response to those who wish to be expansive in their analysis and appreciation. It is not intended to be a model commentary but an analysis or interpretation that will stimulate further discussion and analysis. Some poems are treated with questions. This approach helps to elucidate the central themes or ideas in the poems. This is a cost free publication offered to teachers. Prepared by Clifford Narinesingh co - author of A Comprehensive English Course , Books 1-3 and CXC English A. and author of Developing Language Skills Books 1,2,3, and CSEC Exam Book 4
A Royards Publishing Company Project
This is a free publication and not intended for resale
2
Understanding and Appreciating Poetry
UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATING POETRY
DULCE et DECORUM EST Theme: The theme of the poem is the subject with which the poet deals. It is the central idea around which the event or experiences revolve. In this poem, the central idea is the “horrors of war”. The ghastly image of war, the torture to which soldiers are subjected, reflect the theme – “the haunting flares”, “gas shells dropping” “froth corrupted lungs” are evidence of the atrocities of war.
INTENTION OF THE POET What does the poet hope to achieve? The poet here, wishes to convey a universal message to the reader, that one should not believe that it is noble to die for one’s country, because of the untold miseries which soldiers experience. To the poet, neither fame nor glory can compensate for the immense suffering that war inflicts on humanity.
MOOD The mood conveyed in the poem is one of anger, revulsion and disgust.
1
Note to Teachers
Set Poems 2012-2014
Teachers have been speaking about the lack of critical material on some of the literature set pieces (particularly the poems) selected for study at the Caribbean O’Level. Diverse interpretations make an exploration of literary material interesting and expansive. This guide to the study of ‘set’ poems is a response to those who wish to be expansive in their analysis and appreciation. It is not intended to be a model commentary but an analysis or interpretation that will stimulate further discussion and analysis. Some poems are treated with questions. This approach helps to elucidate the central themes or ideas in the poems. This is a cost free publication offered to teachers. Prepared by Clifford Narinesingh co - author of A Comprehensive English Course , Books 1-3 and CXC English A. and author of Developing Language Skills Books 1,2,3, and CSEC Exam Book 4
A Royards Publishing Company Project
This is a free publication and not intended for resale
2
Understanding and Appreciating Poetry
UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATING POETRY
DULCE et DECORUM EST Theme: The theme of the poem is the subject with which the poet deals. It is the central idea around which the event or experiences revolve. In this poem, the central idea is the “horrors of war”. The ghastly image of war, the torture to which soldiers are subjected, reflect the theme – “the haunting flares”, “gas shells dropping” “froth corrupted lungs” are evidence of the atrocities of war.
INTENTION OF THE POET What does the poet hope to achieve? The poet here, wishes to convey a universal message to the reader, that one should not believe that it is noble to die for one’s country, because of the untold miseries which soldiers experience. To the poet, neither fame nor glory can compensate for the immense suffering that war inflicts on humanity.
MOOD The mood conveyed in the poem is one of anger, revulsion and disgust.