Symbolism is when a poet or writer uses an object or word to represent something more abstract. For example, colours are often used to represent emotions: black often represents death or evil.
Similarly objects can represent something else – a chain might represent the coming together of two things, while a rock can symbolise something strong and dependable.
EXPLORE
1. 2.
In the poem, Heaney uses potatoes as a symbol. What do they represent?
Write a short paragraph explaining why you would or would not vote for this poem in the ‘Poem for Ireland’ campaign.
This poem has cinematic (cinema-like) qualities as it describes two vivid scenes. Imagine you are the stage or film director. Write the stage/screen directions for one of the scenes.
CREATE Success Criteria
You must l Mention what props and costumes will be needed. l Give instructions about where the characters will stand. l Use quotes to back up your decisions. l Include a sketch to accompany your work. You should
l Note any background music/sound effects required. l Describe the kind of lighting you think would be appropriate.
You could l Choose particular actors you wish to play the parts of the different characters. l Include a little bit of sample dialogue if you wish.
If you are happy with your work and decide to include it in your Collection of Texts, complete a Student Reflection Note now.
W7.3 D
Write or find an interesting poem about childhood and imagine you had to teach it to a group of your classmates. Design an ideal lesson using the following tips. If you choose to teach an original poem, you could use the one you wrote (p. 275).
