Year 8 English: Poetry and Identity: Exploration of Identity in Pre-1914 and Contemporary Poetry

Introduction to Poetry and Identity

Hello Year 8! Today, we’re going to explore how poetry helps us understand identity. Identity is who we are—our personality, culture, values, and experiences. Poets often write about their own identities or the identities of others to express feelings, tell stories, and connect with readers.

What is Identity in Poetry?

Identity in poetry can be about:

• Personal Identity: How a poet sees themselves.
• Cultural Identity: The traditions, language, and background of a poet.
• Social Identity: How factors like class, gender, and age affect a poet’s experiences.

Pre-1914 Poetry

Poets before 1914 often wrote about their personal experiences or the society around them. For example:

• William Wordsworth wrote about nature and personal feelings. In his poem “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud,” he shares his love for nature, which is part of his identity.
• Emily Dickinson explored themes of self and isolation. In her poem “Hope is the thing with feathers,” she uses the symbol of a bird to express her feelings, showing her inner thoughts and identity.

Contemporary Poetry

Contemporary poets write about identity in new ways, often focusing on diverse voices and experiences. For instance:

• Kate Tempest writes about modern life and personal struggles. In her poem “The Beholder,” she reflects on how people see themselves and each other in today’s world.
• Benjamin Zephaniah often discusses his identity as a Black British man. His poems, like “The British,” challenge stereotypes and celebrate cultural identity.

Key Rules for Understanding Poetry and Identity

1. Read Carefully: Pay attention to the words and emotions in the poem.
2. Look for Themes: Identify what the poet is trying to express about identity.
3. Think About Context: Consider when the poem was written and how it affects its message.
4. Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask why the poet chose certain words or images.

Tips and Tricks

• Visualisation: Imagine the scenes or feelings described in the poem to connect with the identity being portrayed.
• Discussion: Talk about the poem with friends or family to get different perspectives.
• Writing: Try writing your own poem about your identity or someone else’s to practice expressing feelings through poetry.

Questions on Poetry and Identity

Easy Level Questions (20)

1. What is identity?
2. Name one poet from before 1914.
3. What does William Wordsworth often write about?
4. Which poem did Emily Dickinson write?
5. What is a common theme in contemporary poetry?
6. Who is a contemporary poet mentioned in this lesson?
7. What does “cultural identity” mean?
8. What is the focus of personal identity in poetry?
9. Why is nature important in Wordsworth’s poems?
10. What does the bird symbolise in Dickinson’s poem?
11. How does Kate Tempest explore identity?
12. What does Benjamin Zephaniah often discuss in his poems?
13. Why should we ask questions about poetry?
14. What is one way to connect with a poem?
15. Why is it useful to read poetry aloud?
16. What type of experiences do contemporary poets write about?
17. How can discussing poetry help us understand it better?
18. Name one emotion that can be part of identity.
19. What does “social identity” refer to?
20. How can writing your own poem help you?

Medium Level Questions (20)

1. Give an example of how nature influences Wordsworth’s identity.
2. What feelings does Dickinson express in “Hope is the thing with feathers”?
3. How do contemporary poets differ from pre-1914 poets in their writing about identity?
4. Discuss how identity is represented in Kate Tempest’s poetry.
5. What role does cultural background play in Benjamin Zephaniah’s work?
6. Why might a poet choose to write about isolation?
7. How can a poet’s experiences shape their identity in their work?
8. What techniques do poets use to express identity?
9. How does the context of a poem affect its meaning?
10. Why is it important to understand the poet’s background?
11. How do visual images help convey identity in poetry?
12. What is one challenge contemporary poets face today?
13. Why might a poet write about social issues relating to identity?
14. How can personal experiences make poetry more relatable?
15. What are some common themes in poetry about identity?
16. Compare the identity themes in a pre-1914 poem with a contemporary poem.
17. What might a poet want to achieve by sharing their identity through poetry?
18. How does language shape identity in poetry?
19. Why is it important to think about different perspectives in poetry?
20. In what ways can poetry be a tool for self-expression?

Hard Level Questions (20)

1. Analyse how Wordsworth uses language to express his identity.
2. Discuss the significance of nature in shaping the poet’s identity in pre-1914 poetry.
3. Examine how Dickinson’s use of metaphor contributes to her exploration of identity.
4. Compare and contrast the identity themes in a poem by Wordsworth and a contemporary poem.
5. How do social identities impact the perspectives of contemporary poets?
6. What are the implications of identity politics in modern poetry?
7. Discuss the role of personal narrative in the poems of Kate Tempest and Benjamin Zephaniah.
8. How does the historical context of pre-1914 poetry influence its themes of identity?
9. What poetic devices are commonly used to explore identity, and how are they effective?
10. In what ways can poetry challenge societal norms about identity?
11. How can different forms of poetry (e.g., sonnet, free verse) affect the exploration of identity?
12. What role does emotion play in the expression of identity in poetry?
13. Discuss the impact of cultural identity in shaping a poet’s voice.
14. How can poetry create a sense of community around shared identities?
15. What challenges do poets face when addressing complex identities in their work?
16. How do modern poets use form and structure to explore their identities?
17. In what ways can poetry be a reflection of societal changes regarding identity?
18. Analyse a contemporary poem and discuss how it addresses issues of identity.
19. What is the importance of storytelling in poetry related to identity?
20. How can studying poetry improve our understanding of our own identities?

Answers and Explanations

Easy Level Answers

1. Identity is who we are.
2. William Wordsworth.
3. Nature and personal feelings.
4. “Hope is the thing with feathers.”
5. Personal and cultural experiences.
6. Kate Tempest.
7. The traditions and background of a person.
8. How a poet sees themselves.
9. It reflects his feelings and experiences.
10. It represents hope and resilience.
11. She explores emotions and modern life.
12. His identity as a Black British man.
13. To deepen our understanding of the poem.
14. It helps us feel the poem’s emotions.
15. It can reveal different meanings.
16. Personal stories and diverse experiences.
17. It introduces various viewpoints.
18. Examples include happiness, sadness, and pride.
19. It refers to how social factors shape who we are.
20. It allows us to express our thoughts and feelings.

Medium Level Answers

1. It shows his connection to natural beauty.
2. She expresses hope and comfort.
3. Contemporary poets focus more on diverse experiences.
4. She addresses modern struggles and perceptions.
5. It highlights cultural experiences and challenges.
6. Isolation can reveal deep personal feelings.
7. Their life stories influence their writing.
8. They use imagery, symbols, and rhythm.
9. The context can change how we interpret the poem.
10. It helps us appreciate their perspective.
11. They create vivid pictures in our minds.
12. They must represent diverse voices.
13. It can highlight injustices and personal stories.
14. It creates connections with the reader.
15. Identity can include themes of race, gender, and culture.
16. Each poem offers unique views on identity.
17. They might want to inspire or provoke thought.
18. It shapes how we understand experiences.
19. Different perspectives can enrich our understanding.
20. Poetry can be a powerful means of expression.

Hard Level Answers

1. He uses nature imagery to express emotions.
2. Nature is central to his personal experience and values.
3. Metaphors deepen the exploration of her feelings.
4. Each poem reflects its time and societal issues.
5. They bring awareness to issues faced by their communities.
6. Identity politics can raise important questions.
7. Personal narratives create relatable connections.
8. Historical context provides background for understanding themes.
9. Devices like symbolism and alliteration enhance meaning.
10. It can challenge stereotypes and encourage dialogue.
11. Different forms can highlight various aspects of identity.
12. Emotion makes the identity more relatable and powerful.
13. Cultural identity shapes the voice and message.
14. Poetry can unite people with similar experiences.
15. They must navigate complex societal views.
16. Form can reflect the poet’s thoughts and feelings.
17. Poetry can show shifts in societal attitudes.
18. Analysis can reveal personal and societal insights.
19. Stories connect us to shared experiences.
20. Understanding identities can enrich our lives.

Feel free to ask any questions if you’re unsure about anything! Happy exploring!