Language, structure and form in the Edexcel Relationships poetry cluster
This helpful revision grid encourages GCSE English Literature students to consider form, structure and language in three key poems from the Edexcel Relationships poetry cluster, focusing on Assessment Objective 2.
With modelled examples looking at 'La Belle Dame Sans Merci', 'Love's Dog' and 'My Last Duchess', students summarise the poets' use of language, structure and form in each poem, before considering other poems in the cluster.
An extract from the revision resource:
Analyse the language, form and structure used by a writer to create meanings and effects, using relevant subject terminology (AO2 for anthology poetry question).
In the exam you need to be ready to comment on language, form and structure, and link your observations to the effect on the reader. Complete this table with your analysis of these three poems and then complete the same level of analysis for other poems in the cluster:
My Last Duchess: Comment on form
Browning’s use of a dramatic monologue means that the reader’s knowledge of events is controlled by the Duke. The iambic pentameter and rhyming couplets illustrate the Duke’s desire for control, while the breakdown in rhythm at some points lead the reader to suspect that he is almost overcome by his emotions, particularly his anger.
