Poetry - overall ideas Flashcards
(11 cards)
Belfast Confetti” (1990) by Ciaran Carson
The poem describes the chaos and violence of the conflict in Northern Ireland. It depicts the experience of a man trying to navigate the city during a riot, using the image of “confetti” to describe the debris and shrapnel flying through the air.
“No Problem” (1996) by Benjamin Zephaniah
The poem challenges the idea that violence is an inherent part of black culture. The speaker criticizes the way black people are portrayed in the media, arguing that these stereotypes contribute to the mistreatment and marginalization of black people in society.
“A Poison Tree” (1794) by William Blake
The poem explores the theme of anger and the dangerous consequences it can have when it is not dealt with. The speaker describes how he allowed his anger to fester and grow, leading to the destruction of his relationship with a friend.
“Cousin Kate” (1860) by Christina Rossetti
The poem explores the theme of love and betrayal. It tells the story of a young woman who is seduced by a wealthy lord, only to be discarded for her cousin Kate. The poem highlights the unequal power dynamic between men and women in Victorian society.
“War Photographer” (1987) by Carole Satyamurti
The poem depicts the experiences of a war photographer who is tasked with documenting the horrors of war. It explores the moral ambiguity of this profession and the emotional toll it takes on the photographer.
“The Class Game” (1981) by Mary Casey
The poem explores the theme of social class and the way it shapes individual experiences. It describes the narrator’s feelings of anger and frustration as they are constantly reminded of their lower social status.
“Half-caste” (1996) by John Agard
The poem challenges the idea that mixed-race individuals are inferior or incomplete. The speaker celebrates their mixed heritage and criticizes the use of the term “half-caste” to describe them.
“Exposure” (1917) by Wilfred Owen
The poem depicts the harsh realities of war and the toll it takes on soldiers. It describes a group of soldiers enduring the brutal winter weather in the trenches, while questioning the point of the war.
“Catrin” (1978) by Gillian Clarke
The poem explores the theme of motherhood and the difficulty of letting go. It describes a mother’s memories of her daughter’s birth and the challenges of their relationship as the daughter grows up.
“Poppies” (2005) by Jane Weir
The poem explores the theme of grief and loss. It describes a mother’s memories of her son, who died while serving in the military. The mother reflects on her own role in the war effort and the sense of guilt
“What Were They Like?” (1967) by Denise Levertov
The poem explores the theme of the destructive impact of war on culture and history. The speaker asks what happened to the people and traditions of Vietnam before the war, and laments the loss of cultural heritage caused by the conflict.
