Ozymandias by Shelley – Poem and Analysis

Below, you’ll find poem and analysis of “Ozymandias” – one of my all-time favourite poems. I remember being completely taken aback the first time I read it. The way in which power fades over time, and humans and their efforts crumble back into sand and dust is a sentiment that always keeps us humble and […]

Charge of the Light Brigade: Poem + Analysis

‘Charge of the Light Brigade’ is such a perfect, powerful poem – it’s full of strength and momentum, that captures the movement of horses as they charge forwards into battle. The atmosphere is honourable, brave, and admirable. Yet, the context was that these soldiers were charging into a battle they had no hope of winning, […]

Tissue by Imtiaz Dharker – Poem Analysis

Imtiaz Dharker’s ‘Tissue’ is a difficult poem – there’s no way around it. So many of my students panic about it and have nightmares that it’s going to come up on the exam. Even teachers get stressed and worry whether they’re teaching it properly, I had a conversation once with a teacher who had been […]

Bayonet Charge by Ted Hughes: Poem + Analysis

‘Bayonet Charge’ by Ted Hughes is a poem about the confusion and chaos of war, where the ideologies of countries, governments, and nations transfer to the individual soldiers who fight for them. These soldiers are forced to give up their lives for the sake of abstract beliefs such as honour and patriotism. The soldier in […]

Extract from The Prelude: Poem + Analysis

Below, you’ll find a poem and analysis of Wordsworth’s ‘Prelude’, specifically the ‘Extract’ about boating – rowing out on a mountain lake. What a strange poem! Wordsworth goes out at night by himself, steals a boat, and rows out onto a lake. He’s terrified by a mountain (?) and runs off home again. The experience […]

War Photographer by Carol Ann Duffy – Poem Analysis

Here are some notes, analyses, and annotations for the poem ‘War Photographer’ by Carol Ann Duffy. It’s a fascinating poem! Although I don’t always like Duffy’s poems, this is my absolute favorite of hers; I really love how it’s so personal and thought-provoking. My analysis is tailored towards the Edexcel IGCSE Literature Poetry Anthology and […]

Power and Conflict Poetry Anthology List – English Literature

Power and Conflict Poetry Anthology List; remember that these poems need to be learned in detail, with a focus on how they relate to the themes of ‘power’ and ‘conflict’ — try to think deeply about the messages on these themes that are present in each one. You also need to learn how to write […]