GCSE Anthology Poems from Different Cultures Cluster 1 Some basic notes on the 8 poems.

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GCSE Anthology GCSE Anthology Poems from Different Poems from Different Cultures Cultures Cluster 1 Cluster 1 Some basic notes on the 8 Some basic notes on the 8 poems poems

Transcript of GCSE Anthology Poems from Different Cultures Cluster 1 Some basic notes on the 8 poems.

GCSE AnthologyGCSE AnthologyPoems from Different CulturesPoems from Different Cultures

Cluster 1Cluster 1

Some basic notes on the 8 poemsSome basic notes on the 8 poems

LimboLimbo

Tells of a journey on a slave ship – from Africa to Tells of a journey on a slave ship – from Africa to America.America.

Written like a song, with a ‘chorus’ in Written like a song, with a ‘chorus’ in italics.italics. This This gives it a distinct rhythm.gives it a distinct rhythm.

The mood changes through the poem – from The mood changes through the poem – from confusion and fear to hope.confusion and fear to hope.

It reminds us of the limbo dance, which is very It reminds us of the limbo dance, which is very difficult as the dancer tries to bend under the limbo difficult as the dancer tries to bend under the limbo stick, but easier on the way back up. How is this stick, but easier on the way back up. How is this linked to the ship’s journey?linked to the ship’s journey?

Limbo – Themes and linksLimbo – Themes and links

Main theme seems to be the injustice of Main theme seems to be the injustice of slavery.slavery.

Also, the idea of losing your sense of Also, the idea of losing your sense of identity.identity.

Links to ‘Island Man’ – lost identity.Links to ‘Island Man’ – lost identity.‘‘Blessing’, ‘Night of Scorpion’ – Blessing’, ‘Night of Scorpion’ –

retelling an event.retelling an event.‘‘What were they like?’ – unusual What were they like?’ – unusual

layout.layout.

Limbo – Important quotesLimbo – Important quotes

““limbo stick is the silence in front of me” (l.1)limbo stick is the silence in front of me” (l.1)

This metaphor shows how the narrator is uncertain This metaphor shows how the narrator is uncertain of his future.of his future.

““long dark deck…” (l.16)long dark deck…” (l.16)

The alliteration is a harsh ‘d’ sound which could The alliteration is a harsh ‘d’ sound which could relate to the harsh conditions on the ship.relate to the harsh conditions on the ship.

““hot slow step…” (l.48)hot slow step…” (l.48)

These words sound quite painful. This may remind These words sound quite painful. This may remind the reader that the future is bleak for the slaves.the reader that the future is bleak for the slaves.

Nothing’s ChangedNothing’s Changed

Someone walking through ‘District Six’ (an Someone walking through ‘District Six’ (an area of Cape Town, S.Africa), years after area of Cape Town, S.Africa), years after growing up there.growing up there.

Narrator recalls a time of Apartheid and the Narrator recalls a time of Apartheid and the segregation of black and white people.segregation of black and white people.

He is angry that there is a ‘whites only’ He is angry that there is a ‘whites only’ restaurant and feels that, after all these restaurant and feels that, after all these years, nothing has changed - that racism years, nothing has changed - that racism still exists.still exists.

Nothing’s Changed – Themes and linksNothing’s Changed – Themes and links

Injustice of racism.Injustice of racism. Differences between rich and poor.Differences between rich and poor. A political/social divide.A political/social divide. Links to ‘Two Scavengers’ – political Links to ‘Two Scavengers’ – political

comment, rich and poor.comment, rich and poor.‘‘Island Man’, ‘Night of the Scorpion’, Island Man’, ‘Night of the Scorpion’,

‘What were they like?’ – a sense ‘What were they like?’ – a sense of of place.place.

‘‘Vultures’, ‘What were they like?’ – Vultures’, ‘What were they like?’ – political comment.political comment.

Nothing’s Changed – Important quotesNothing’s Changed – Important quotes

““but my feet know” (l.11)but my feet know” (l.11)This reveals how well narrator knows this area. He This reveals how well narrator knows this area. He

has a really strong bond with District Six.has a really strong bond with District Six. ““whites only inn.” (l.24)whites only inn.” (l.24)The double meaning refers to the posh restaurant, The double meaning refers to the posh restaurant,

but also to the theme of segregation (only white but also to the theme of segregation (only white people allowed people allowed inin).).

““small mean mouth.” (l.44)small mean mouth.” (l.44)This shows the narrator thinking back to when he This shows the narrator thinking back to when he

was a boy, and shows his feelings of anger.was a boy, and shows his feelings of anger.

Island ManIsland Man

Tells of a man who has moved to London Tells of a man who has moved to London from the Caribbean, but misses home.from the Caribbean, but misses home.

First half of poem are his memories/dreams First half of poem are his memories/dreams of home. Then we have the much louder of home. Then we have the much louder sounds of London.sounds of London.

The colours mentioned are brighter in the The colours mentioned are brighter in the first half.first half.

In the end, he seems to accept that this is In the end, he seems to accept that this is just the way it is. just the way it is.

Island Man – Themes and linksIsland Man – Themes and links

Losing your identity, moving from one culture Losing your identity, moving from one culture to another.to another.

Differences between people and places.Differences between people and places. Links to ‘Limbo’ – losing identity, moving to Links to ‘Limbo’ – losing identity, moving to

another place.another place.

‘‘Nothing’s Changed’, ‘What were Nothing’s Changed’, ‘What were they like?’ – describing a place.they like?’ – describing a place.

‘‘Limbo’ – unusual layout.Limbo’ – unusual layout.

Island Man – Important quotesIsland Man – Important quotes

““his small emerald island” (l.10)his small emerald island” (l.10)This shows how he feels the island is ‘his’, a This shows how he feels the island is ‘his’, a

part of him, and emphasises how much he part of him, and emphasises how much he is missing home. The colour also reminds us is missing home. The colour also reminds us of the contrast with the “grey” of London.of the contrast with the “grey” of London.

““island man heaves himself” (l.18)island man heaves himself” (l.18)The choice of words here tells us that city life The choice of words here tells us that city life

is a struggle for him, especially when is a struggle for him, especially when compared to the Caribbean way of life.compared to the Caribbean way of life.

BlessingBlessing

Tells of an incident (maybe real) in Bombay, India Tells of an incident (maybe real) in Bombay, India – a pipe bursting, which suddenly provides free – a pipe bursting, which suddenly provides free water to the people living in poverty around it.water to the people living in poverty around it.

Water, because it means so much (especially if Water, because it means so much (especially if you consider the heat), is compared to a God and you consider the heat), is compared to a God and a precious metal.a precious metal.

The mood is temporarily very happy – everyone The mood is temporarily very happy – everyone tries to get some of the water.tries to get some of the water.

The ending is more uncertain, or a little bleak, as The ending is more uncertain, or a little bleak, as we know things will return to ‘normal’ for them.we know things will return to ‘normal’ for them.

Blessing – Themes and linksBlessing – Themes and links

Struggle against poverty.Struggle against poverty. Idea of religion being important to a culture.Idea of religion being important to a culture. Links to ‘Nothing’s Changed’, ‘Island Man’ – Links to ‘Nothing’s Changed’, ‘Island Man’ –

describing certain people in a describing certain people in a certain place.certain place.

‘‘Two Scavengers’, ‘Nothing’s Two Scavengers’, ‘Nothing’s Changed’ – rich and poor.Changed’ – rich and poor.‘‘Night of Scorpion’, ‘Two Night of Scorpion’, ‘Two Scavengers’ – describing an event.Scavengers’ – describing an event.

Blessing – Important quotesBlessing – Important quotes

““The skin cracks like a pod.” (l.1)The skin cracks like a pod.” (l.1)This simple opening, a simile, helps to sum up the living This simple opening, a simile, helps to sum up the living

conditions, emphasising the extreme heat of the sun.conditions, emphasising the extreme heat of the sun. ““silver crashes to the ground” (l.9)silver crashes to the ground” (l.9)This metaphor, comparing the water to silver, tells us the This metaphor, comparing the water to silver, tells us the

villagers value water as much as a precious metal.villagers value water as much as a precious metal. ““frantic hands” (l.17)frantic hands” (l.17)The harsh reality of the situation is that people are The harsh reality of the situation is that people are

desperate to get some water, as they realise that the desperate to get some water, as they realise that the pipe will soon be fixed.pipe will soon be fixed.

Two Scavengers in a Truck…Two Scavengers in a Truck…

This describes a specific moment in time, at a red traffic This describes a specific moment in time, at a red traffic light at 9am in San Francisco.light at 9am in San Francisco.

The 2 scavengers (bin men) are compared with a rich man The 2 scavengers (bin men) are compared with a rich man and woman.and woman.

The poet uses the idea of the ‘American Dream’ – Is it The poet uses the idea of the ‘American Dream’ – Is it real? Is it fair? Are the rich couple any happier than the bin real? Is it fair? Are the rich couple any happier than the bin men?men?

No punctuation is used, reminding us that all this happens No punctuation is used, reminding us that all this happens very quickly.very quickly.

The poem gets us thinking about social class – Is it right to The poem gets us thinking about social class – Is it right to class people in this way?class people in this way?

Two Scavengers – Themes and linksTwo Scavengers – Themes and links

The difference between rich and poor.The difference between rich and poor. A political/social divide.A political/social divide. The ‘fairness’ of American society.The ‘fairness’ of American society. Links to ‘Blessing’, ‘Night of Scorpion’ – Links to ‘Blessing’, ‘Night of Scorpion’ –

describing an event.describing an event.

‘‘Nothing’s Changed’ – political Nothing’s Changed’ – political comment, rich and poor.comment, rich and poor.

‘‘Vultures’, ‘What were they like?’ – Vultures’, ‘What were they like?’ – political comment.political comment.

Two Scavengers – Important quotesTwo Scavengers – Important quotes

““looking down into…” (l.7)looking down into…” (l.7)As they are in their truck, they are higher up than the rich As they are in their truck, they are higher up than the rich

couple. But they could also couple. But they could also look downlook down on them by on them by thinking they are happier or better than the rich thinking they are happier or better than the rich couple.couple.

““in which everything is always possible” (l.30)in which everything is always possible” (l.30)This suggests that TV ads tell us one thing, but we know This suggests that TV ads tell us one thing, but we know

that everything isn’t always possible in real life.that everything isn’t always possible in real life. ““the high seas of this democracy” (l.36)the high seas of this democracy” (l.36)This could mean that although part of the ‘American This could mean that although part of the ‘American

Dream’, real democracy is never easy to achieve.Dream’, real democracy is never easy to achieve.

Night of the ScorpionNight of the Scorpion

Told from the point of view of a child, describing the night Told from the point of view of a child, describing the night their mother was stung by a scorpion.their mother was stung by a scorpion.

Set in a close-knit village community in poor, rural India.Set in a close-knit village community in poor, rural India. The scorpion is given a personality – it comes in to The scorpion is given a personality – it comes in to

shelter from the rain.shelter from the rain. The villagers react in very different ways – most of them The villagers react in very different ways – most of them

panic or say prayers, the father tries various medicines, panic or say prayers, the father tries various medicines, and a holy man tries a spell.and a holy man tries a spell.

In the end, the sting was harmless. The mother is In the end, the sting was harmless. The mother is grateful her children weren’t stung.grateful her children weren’t stung.

The poem tells us a lot about the culture of these people.The poem tells us a lot about the culture of these people.

Night of the Scorpion – Themes and linksNight of the Scorpion – Themes and links

Idea of religion being important to a culture.Idea of religion being important to a culture. People within same culture having different People within same culture having different

beliefs/ideas.beliefs/ideas. Links to ‘Blessing’ – describing an event, Links to ‘Blessing’ – describing an event,

religious images.religious images.‘‘Nothing’s Changed’, ‘Island Man’, Nothing’s Changed’, ‘Island Man’, ‘Two Scavengers’, ‘What were they ‘Two Scavengers’, ‘What were they

like?’ – different cultures/ideas.like?’ – different cultures/ideas.‘‘Island Man’, ‘Nothing’s Changed’ – a Island Man’, ‘Nothing’s Changed’ – a

sense of place.sense of place.

Night of the Scorpion – Important quotesNight of the Scorpion – Important quotes

““The peasants came like swarms of flies” (l.8)The peasants came like swarms of flies” (l.8)This simile gives us the impression the villagers This simile gives us the impression the villagers

aren’t really needed or wanted in the hut.aren’t really needed or wanted in the hut. ““May the sins of your previous birth…” (l.19)May the sins of your previous birth…” (l.19)This refers to the strong beliefs held in the village, This refers to the strong beliefs held in the village,

such as the idea of reincarnation.such as the idea of reincarnation. ““Thank God the scorpion picked on me” (l.47)Thank God the scorpion picked on me” (l.47)The mother is selfless – she is more concerned for The mother is selfless – she is more concerned for

her children, as for them, the sting could have her children, as for them, the sting could have been deadly.been deadly.

VulturesVultures

The poet describes two vultures – how they eat The poet describes two vultures – how they eat the corpses of other animals, yet also seem to live the corpses of other animals, yet also seem to live together as an affectionate couple.together as an affectionate couple.

This situation is compared to that of a Nazi This situation is compared to that of a Nazi commander – murdering people in a concentration commander – murdering people in a concentration camp during the day, yet becoming a loving father camp during the day, yet becoming a loving father in the evening.in the evening.

The poem asks us to consider whether evil exists The poem asks us to consider whether evil exists in all of us, or if even the most evil beings are in all of us, or if even the most evil beings are capable of love.capable of love.

Vultures – Themes and linksVultures – Themes and links

Human attitudes – how we treat each other.Human attitudes – how we treat each other. The fairness of society.The fairness of society. How the nature reflects the human race.How the nature reflects the human race. Links to ‘What were they like?’, ‘Nothing’s Links to ‘What were they like?’, ‘Nothing’s

Changed’, ‘Two Scavengers’ – Changed’, ‘Two Scavengers’ – political/social comment, how political/social comment, how humans treat each other.humans treat each other.‘‘Night of the Scorpion’, ‘What were Night of the Scorpion’, ‘What were they like?’ – human attitudes.they like?’ – human attitudes.

Vultures – Important quotesVultures – Important quotes

““In the greyness and drizzle” (l.1)In the greyness and drizzle” (l.1)This sets the mood of the poem, creating a very This sets the mood of the poem, creating a very

bleak atmosphere.bleak atmosphere. ““with fumes of human roast…” (l.32)with fumes of human roast…” (l.32)The disgusting image of burning human bodies really The disgusting image of burning human bodies really

emphasises the idea of the commander being evil. emphasises the idea of the commander being evil. But it also makes the image of him as a loving But it also makes the image of him as a loving father even more unbelievable.father even more unbelievable.

““grants even an ogre…” (l.43)grants even an ogre…” (l.43)The poet seems relieved that even an evil man is The poet seems relieved that even an evil man is

capable of showing some tenderness. capable of showing some tenderness.

What Were They Like?What Were They Like?

Written in the style of an interview, with six Written in the style of an interview, with six questions being asked about the people of questions being asked about the people of Vietnam and how they used to live.Vietnam and how they used to live.

All of the questions are asked before the answers All of the questions are asked before the answers are given, perhaps by a member of the army (use are given, perhaps by a member of the army (use of the word ‘Sir’).of the word ‘Sir’).

The answers contain more detail and seem to The answers contain more detail and seem to focus on human suffering.focus on human suffering.

The poem aims to teach us how the culture of The poem aims to teach us how the culture of Vietnam was severely affected by the war.Vietnam was severely affected by the war.

What were they like? – Themes and linksWhat were they like? – Themes and links

Human attitudes.Human attitudes. The injustice of war.The injustice of war. The idea of people losing their culture.The idea of people losing their culture. Links to ‘Vultures’, ‘Nothing’s Changed’, Links to ‘Vultures’, ‘Nothing’s Changed’,

‘Two Scavengers’ – political ‘Two Scavengers’ – political comment.comment.

‘‘Island Man’, ‘Nothing’s Changed’, Island Man’, ‘Nothing’s Changed’, ‘Night of the Scorpion’ – a ‘Night of the Scorpion’ – a

sense of sense of place.place.

What were they like? – Important quotesWhat were they like? – Important quotes

““Sir, their light hearts turned to stone.”Sir, their light hearts turned to stone.”The contrast of light and heavy helps us to understand The contrast of light and heavy helps us to understand

how much the people of Vietnam have changed.how much the people of Vietnam have changed. ““laughter is bitter to the burned mouth.”laughter is bitter to the burned mouth.”The ‘b’ sounds are quite harsh here. This alliteration The ‘b’ sounds are quite harsh here. This alliteration

emphasises the hurt and pain the people must have emphasises the hurt and pain the people must have been through.been through.

““All the bones were charred.”All the bones were charred.”This refers back to the question about ornaments, but it This refers back to the question about ornaments, but it

also gives us a terrible image of a village being also gives us a terrible image of a village being bombed and bodies on fire.bombed and bodies on fire.