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ExpAQA_PoetryClusters3Conflict_pp93-124_FINAL_Layout 1 28/05/2010 13:20 Page 93
Cluster 3
Conflict
This cluster explores a range of types of conflict: terrorism, civil war, colonial war, occupations, nationalist struggles, the tensions between ethnic groups and religions. As well as presenting different types of conflict, these poems offer a variety of attitudes to war, from the glory of ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’ to Owen’s bleak and bitter ‘Futility’. Sometimes the poem speaks from the point of view of a soldier, as in ‘Bayonet Charge’ or ‘Futility’. Other poems explore the wider effects of conflict − for example ‘Poppies’ concentrates on the feelings of a mother, ‘Belfast Confetti’ on a community, and ‘The Falling Leaves’ explores the idea of bereavement and loss. Some of the poems take a wider perspective, considering the concept of conflict and its consequences, for instance ‘Mametz Wood’ or ‘next to of course god america i’. And, in the widest sense, both ‘Hawk Roosting’ and ‘Flag’ comment on the behaviours and attitudes that may lead to conflict. When studying this cluster, it might be useful for students to focus on some of the following considerations: • What kind of conflict does this poem focus on? Is it about terrorism, civil war, or conflict between cultures in one geographical location? Is it about the aftermath of world war? Is it about the effects of war on countries / individuals / loved ones? • From what perspective is it written? Is the perspective first person, second person or third person address? Is there a persona and, if so, are they a participant, an observer, a victim? Is the poem written after / before / during the conflict? Is it set in the present, the past, or a future time? • How does the poet explore conflict? What does the poem tell us or suggest about conflict? Does it bring alive the experience of battle, or make us think about the pain of losing a loved one in war, or is it about the barbarity and senselessness of war?
Cluster 3
Conflict
This cluster explores a range of types of conflict: terrorism, civil war, colonial war, occupations, nationalist struggles, the tensions between ethnic groups and religions. As well as presenting different types of conflict, these poems offer a variety of attitudes to war, from the glory of ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’ to Owen’s bleak and bitter ‘Futility’. Sometimes the poem speaks from the point of view of a soldier, as in ‘Bayonet Charge’ or ‘Futility’. Other poems explore the wider effects of conflict − for example ‘Poppies’ concentrates on the feelings of a mother, ‘Belfast Confetti’ on a community, and ‘The Falling Leaves’ explores the idea of bereavement and loss. Some of the poems take a wider perspective, considering the concept of conflict and its consequences, for instance ‘Mametz Wood’ or ‘next to of course god america i’. And, in the widest sense, both ‘Hawk Roosting’ and ‘Flag’ comment on the behaviours and attitudes that may lead to conflict. When studying this cluster, it might be useful for students to focus on some of the following considerations: • What kind of conflict does this poem focus on? Is it about terrorism, civil war, or conflict between cultures in one geographical location? Is it about the aftermath of world war? Is it about the effects of war on countries / individuals / loved ones? • From what perspective is it written? Is the perspective first person, second person or third person address? Is there a persona and, if so, are they a participant, an observer, a victim? Is the poem written after / before / during the conflict? Is it set in the present, the past, or a future time? • How does the poet explore conflict? What does the poem tell us or suggest about conflict? Does it bring alive the experience of battle, or make us think about the pain of losing a loved one in war, or is it about the barbarity and senselessness of war?
Links: Robert Minhinnick Background and Context Minhinnick (1952−) chooses a loose ballad form to lyrically recount a journey through Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, and to show the impact of conflict on the city and its people ‘Belfast Confetti’ – city/civilians under attack ‘Come On, Come Back’ – sadness and loss of innocence ‘At the Border, 1979’ – civilians and Iraq Cluster 3: Conflict • 101 Imtiaz Dharker Background and Context In ‘The Right Word’ Imtiaz Dharker (1954−) uses the subtleties and connotations of language to explore perceptions and values, and challenge how we see and define our world