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AQA Poems Past and Present
Love and Relationships
Welcome to your ultimate guide to mastering the AQA Love and Relationships GCSE Poetry Anthology. In these comprehensive YouTube tutorials, Claire breaks down each poem with clear, engaging explanations, covering themes, literary techniques, and contextual backgrounds. Whether you're struggling with complex metaphors or need help understanding historical contexts, Claire's expert insights make learning accessible and enjoyable. Perfect for GCSE students aiming to enhance their literary analysis skills and achieve top grades, these videos are your go-to resource for excelling in your poetry studies. Subscribe now and unlock the secrets of the anthology with Claire's Notes!
Past Papers
Love and Relationships 2017 - 2022 (includes specimen paper)
Rhythm in the AQA Love & Relationships Cluster
Don't know your iambic pentameter from your trochaic tetrameter hypercatalectic? Then this is the video for you! In this video, I spend the first few minutes going back to basics - a quick recap on syllables and an outline of what rhythm is in poetry and how we can use our subconscious, but very sophisticated, awareness of speech rhythms to help us. Then I go through, step-by-step, the terminology that we use to identify and analyse the different rhythmical features that poets can use, drawing on examples from across the AQA Love and Relationships cluster to illustrate the different effects that these rhythm choices can have.
The Poems
When We Two Parted
by Lord Byron
"When We Two Parted" by Lord Byron is a melancholic poem that reflects on the aftermath of a secret love affair. The speaker reminisces about a past relationship that ended in betrayal and separation. Byron portrays feelings of sadness, bitterness, and longing as the speaker laments the loss of trust and the emotional pain caused by their parting. The poem explores themes of love, secrecy, betrayal and the enduring impact of past relationships on one's emotions. It captures the speaker's conflicted feelings of both yearning for the past and a sense of hurt over the end of the relationship.
Love's Philosophy
by Percy Bysshe Shelley
"Love's Philosophy" by Percy Bysshe Shelley is a romantic poem that explores the interconnectedness of nature and human emotions. The speaker passionately argues that just as elements of nature are naturally attracted to each other — rivers to oceans, winds to clouds — so too should human beings unite in love. Shelley employs vivid imagery and personification to convey the speaker's belief in the universality of love's principles. The poem celebrates the idea that love is inherent in all creation and should be shared freely between individuals, highlighting the beauty and harmony found in natural and emotional unions.
Porphyria's Lover
by Robert Browning
"Porphyria's Lover" by Robert Browning is a dramatic monologue depicting a lover's obsessive passion and eventual violent act. The speaker describes Porphyria's visit on a stormy night, where she expresses her love and attempts to make him happy. Overwhelmed by his desire to preserve this perfect moment forever, the lover strangles her with her own hair. He justifies the act as a way to capture her undivided love permanently. The poem explores themes of possession, obsession, and the destructive consequences of unrequited love, challenging traditional Victorian notions of romance and morality through its unsettling narrative.
Sonnet 29 ("I think of thee!")
by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
"Sonnet 29," also known as "I think of thee!," by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, was published in 1850 as part of her collection "Sonnets from the Portuguese". These poems were actually written about five years earlier, before her marriage to fellow poet Robert Browning. Originally not meant for publication, these passionate love sonnets chart the development of her relationship with Robert, from initial doubts to the intense passion leading up to their elopement. In this sonnet, Barrett Browning reflects on her all-encompassing love for him, expressing how her thoughts are filled with longing and desire.
Neutral Tones
by Thomas Hardy
"Neutral Tones" by Thomas Hardy is a poignant reflection on a failed relationship. The poem, set in a bleak winter landscape, captures the emotional desolation and indifference between the speaker and their former lover. Hardy uses the muted tones of nature—grey skies, lifeless leaves, and a stagnant pond—to mirror the deadened emotions and bitterness that linger from their parting. The interaction between the two is devoid of warmth or passion, emphasizing the finality of their separation. Through sombre imagery and reflective tone, Hardy conveys themes of love's impermanence and the enduring impact of heartbreak.
Letters from Yorkshire
by Maura Dooley
"Letters from Yorkshire" by Maura Dooley is a contemplative poem about the connection between two people living in different places. The speaker reflects on receiving letters from a friend in Yorkshire, who writes about everyday rural life. These letters provide a stark contrast to the speaker's own life in a busy, urban environment. The poem explores themes of distance, communication, and the bond maintained through shared experiences and words. Dooley highlights the significance of these letters in bridging the physical gap and maintaining an emotional connection, celebrating the enduring power of friendship and the beauty found in ordinary moments.
The Farmer's Bride
by Charlotte Mew
"The Farmer's Bride" by Charlotte Mew is a dramatic monologue that tells the story of a farmer whose young bride becomes increasingly distant and fearful. Married three years, she initially resisted the marriage and later fled, leading to her capture and return. The farmer describes his longing and frustration as his wife remains silent and withdrawn, preferring the company of animals and nature over him. Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, the poem explores themes of unrequited love, isolation, and the psychological impact of a forced marriage. Mew poignantly portrays the farmer's sense of helplessness and unfulfilled desire.
Walking Away
by Cecil Day-Lewis
"Walking Away" by Cecil Day-Lewis is a reflective poem about a father’s emotional experience of watching his son grow up and become independent. Recalling a specific memory of his son leaving for school, the father describes the moment as both painful and necessary, comparing it to a satellite drifting away from its orbit. The poem explores themes of parental love, the passage of time, and the inevitability of children seeking their own path. Through poignant imagery and a tone of bittersweet acceptance, Day-Lewis captures the mixed feelings of pride and sorrow that accompany the process of letting go.
Eden Rock
by Charles Causley
"Eden Rock" by Charles Causley is a poignant poem that reflects on themes of memory, loss, and the passage of time. The poem describes a scene where the speaker recalls a childhood visit to Eden Rock with their parents, now deceased. Causley evokes a sense of longing and nostalgia as the speaker imagines crossing a river to reunite with their loved ones in a peaceful, idyllic setting. The poem captures the emotional complexity of grief and the enduring bonds of family ties, emphasizing the bittersweet nature of memories and the eternal hope for reunion beyond life's hardships.
Follower
by Seamus Heaney
"Follower" by Seamus Heaney is a nostalgic reflection on the poet's relationship with his father, who was a skilled farmer. As a child, Heaney admired his father's expertise and strength, longing to follow in his footsteps. He describes the physical labor of farming and his father's effortless mastery, contrasting it with his own clumsy attempts to emulate him. The poem highlights themes of admiration, the passage of time, and changing roles. In the end, the roles reverse as Heaney's aging father now follows him, symbolizing the inevitable shift in dependence and the enduring bond between father and son.
Mother, any distance
by Simon Armitage
"Mother, any distance" by Simon Armitage explores the relationship between a mother and her child as he transitions into independence. The speaker describes measuring a new house, with his mother holding the tape measure's end, symbolizing the enduring connection between them. As the distance grows, so does the metaphorical space between dependence and independence. The poem captures the tension between the desire for autonomy and the comfort of maternal support. Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, Armitage portrays the complexities of growing up, acknowledging the mother's role while expressing the inevitability of moving forward and establishing one's own path.
Before You Were Mine
by Carol Anne Duffy
"Before You Were Mine" by Carol Ann Duffy is a poignant reflection on the life of the speaker's mother before her birth. The poem nostalgically imagines the carefree and vibrant youth of the mother, depicted through vivid snapshots of her dancing and socializing. Duffy contrasts this with the responsibilities and changes brought by motherhood. The poem explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and the passage of time, as the speaker acknowledges the transformation her mother underwent. Through a tender and introspective tone, Duffy conveys a deep appreciation for her mother's past, while also recognizing the impact of her own arrival on her mother's life.
Winter Swans
by Owen Sheers
"Winter Swans" by Owen Sheers is a reflective poem that captures a moment of reconciliation between a couple. Walking by a lake after days of heavy rain, their relationship seems strained and distant. They observe a pair of swans on the water, whose graceful movements and enduring bond serve as a symbol of love and unity. The sight of the swans inspires a silent understanding and connection between the couple, leading to a tentative hand-holding by the end of the walk. The poem explores themes of love, communication, and renewal, highlighting how nature can reflect and influence human emotions.
Singh song!
by Daljit Nagra
"Singh Song!" by Daljit Nagra is a lively and humorous poem that explores the life of a British-Indian shopkeeper, who balances his responsibilities at his family’s store with his love for his new bride. The speaker describes the playful and affectionate relationship with his wife, who is unconventional and spirited. He often neglects the shop to spend time with her, leading to customer complaints. The poem is written in a vibrant, rhythmic style, blending Punjabi and English. It celebrates cultural fusion, romantic love, and the joy of life, while also addressing the challenges of balancing work, family expectations, and personal happiness.
Climbing My Grandfather
by Andrew Waterhouse
"Climbing My Grandfather" by Andrew Waterhouse is a nostalgic and metaphorical poem that explores the speaker's admiration for his grandfather through the imagery of climbing. The poem vividly describes the physical characteristics of his grandfather's body as resembling a mountainous terrain, with details like skin texture as valleys and hair as forests. Through climbing his grandfather, the speaker reflects on the passage of time and the aging process, contemplating the inevitability of mortality and the enduring bond between generations. Waterhouse's poem celebrates familial connection and pays tribute to the wisdom and strength embodied by his grandfather.​
Power and Conflict
Welcome to your ultimate guide to mastering the AQA Power and Conflict GCSE Poetry Anthology. In these comprehensive YouTube tutorials, Claire breaks down each poem with clear, engaging explanations, covering themes, literary techniques, and contextual backgrounds. Whether you're struggling with complex metaphors or need help understanding historical contexts, Claire's expert insights make learning accessible and enjoyable. Perfect for GCSE students aiming to enhance their literary analysis skills and achieve top grades, these videos are your go-to resource for excelling in your poetry studies. Subscribe now and unlock the secrets of the anthology with Claire's Notes!
Past Papers
Power and Conflict 2017 - 2022 (includes specimen paper)
The Poems
Ozymandias
by Percy Bysshe Shelley
"Ozymandias" by Percy Bysshe Shelley tells the story of a traveller who encounters a ruined statue in the desert, once a grand monument to a powerful ruler named Ozymandias. The poem explores themes of power, arrogance, and the inevitable decline of human achievements. Despite Ozymandias's boastful inscription proclaiming his greatness, the statue lies broken and forgotten, buried in the sand. Shelley's vivid imagery and simple language convey the fleeting nature of power and the humbling reality of mortality. The poem prompts readers to reflect on the impermanence of earthly ambitions and the ultimate insignificance of human endeavours against the forces of time.
London
by William Blake
"London" by William Blake is a powerful indictment of the social and political injustices prevalent in 18th-century London. The poem vividly portrays the bleakness and despair experienced by the common people, highlighting themes of oppression, poverty, and moral corruption. Blake uses stark imagery to depict the harrowing conditions of city life, including the plight of chimney sweepers, prostitutes, and soldiers. The poem condemns the institutions that perpetuate these injustices, such as the church and monarchy. Through its passionate outcry against societal ills, "London" serves as a critique of authority and a call for social change and human compassion.
Extract from The Prelude
by William Wordsworth
"The Prelude" by William Wordsworth recounts a pivotal moment where the young poet, filled with curiosity and a thirst for adventure, steals a boat to explore a lake. The 44-line extract vividly captures the excitement and apprehension of the protagonist as he embarks on this clandestine journey. Themes of nature's influence, youthful rebellion, and the exploration of the self are prominent. Wordsworth's introspective exploration of guilt and innocence, as well as his profound connection to the natural world, resonates throughout the poem. The theft of the boat symbolizes both the allure and consequences of seeking personal freedom and experience.​
My Last Duchess
by Robert Browning
"My Last Duchess" by Robert Browning is a dramatic monologue in which a Duke reveals his obsessive and controlling nature through his recounting of his late wife's demise. The poem explores themes of power, jealousy, and the objectification of women. The Duke's cold and calculating demeanour reveals his dissatisfaction with his former wife's perceived flirtatious behaviour towards everyone she seemed to meet. The poem delves into the theme of art and control, as the Duke treats his wife's portrait as an object to only be displayed at his command, reflecting his desire for dominance and possession.
The Charge of the Light Brigade
by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
"The Charge of the Light Brigade" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson recounts the valorous yet tragic charge of British cavalry into enemy artillery during the Crimean War. Tennyson glorifies the courage and obedience of the soldiers facing certain death in the face of military command. Themes of honour, duty, and sacrifice are central, emphasizing the bravery and loyalty of the Light Brigade in the face of impossible odds. The poem celebrates military heroism while questioning the wisdom of leadership and the horrors of war. Tennyson's vivid imagery and rhythmic verse evoke the chaos and valour of battle, immortalizing the soldiers' courage amidst adversity.
Exposure
by Wilfred Owen
"Exposure" by Wilfred Owen depicts the harsh realities faced by soldiers during World War I, focusing on the brutal conditions and psychological toll of trench warfare. The poem explores themes of suffering, fear, and the futility of war. Owen portrays soldiers enduring freezing weather and constant bombardment, highlighting their sense of isolation and despair. The poem's haunting imagery and stark descriptions emphasize the physical and emotional hardships faced by the men, questioning the justification for their sacrifice. "Exposure" is a poignant critique of the inhumanity of war and serves as a powerful reminder of its devastating effects on individuals and society.​
Storm on the Island
by Seamus Heaney
"Storm on the Island" by Seamus Heaney depicts the raw power of nature and its impact on human vulnerability. The poem describes a remote island community bracing against an approaching storm, capturing the tension and fear among its inhabitants. Heaney employs vivid imagery and a sparse, stark tone to convey the relentless force of the storm and the precariousness of human existence in the face of natural forces. Themes of isolation, survival, and the fragility of civilization emerge as the poem unfolds, inviting readers to contemplate the resilience of the human spirit amidst the unpredictability and ferocity of the natural world.
Bayonet Charge
by Ted Hughes
"Bayonet Charge" by Ted Hughes explores the horrors and chaos of war through the experience of a soldier in battle. The poem vividly portrays the intense fear and disorientation felt by the soldier as he charges into enemy lines. Hughes uses vivid imagery and sensory detail to depict the brutality and confusion of combat, highlighting themes of fear, loss of innocence, and the dehumanizing effects of war. The poem captures the physical and psychological impact of conflict on individuals, emphasizing the stark contrast between the soldier's idealized notions of heroism and the grim reality of warfare's brutality and senselessness.
Remains
by Simon Armitage
"Remains" by Simon Armitage is a harrowing poem that vividly recounts a soldier's haunting memory of a fatal encounter during war. The poem explores themes of trauma, guilt, and the psychological toll of violence. Armitage's stark language and vivid imagery depict the aftermath of conflict, where the soldier grapples with the ethical implications of his actions and the haunting memories that linger. The poem delves into the dehumanizing effects of war and questions the morality of violence, emphasizing the lasting impact on both perpetrators and victims. "Remains" powerfully captures the complexities of war and its profound emotional and moral consequences.​
Poppies
by Jane Weir
"Poppies" by Jane Weir delves into the emotional landscape of a mother whose son has gone off to war. The poem explores themes of loss, sacrifice, and the passage of time as the mother reminisces about her son's childhood innocence while he is away. Weir uses vivid imagery of poppies, traditionally symbols of remembrance, to evoke both the beauty and the sorrow of war. The poem reflects on the universal experience of families affected by conflict and the enduring impact it has on those left behind. It ultimately conveys a poignant sense of longing and hope amid the anguish of separation.
War Photographer
by Carol Ann Duffy
"War Photographer" by Carol Ann Duffy portrays the inner turmoil of a photographer who captures the horrors of conflict zones. The poem explores themes of war, human suffering, and the ethical dilemmas faced by those documenting such atrocities. Through vivid imagery and stark contrasts between war-torn landscapes and the safety of home, Duffy examines the impact of violence on both the victims and the photographer. The poem also delves into themes of memory, responsibility, and the role of art in bearing witness to historical truths. "War Photographer" reflects on the profound consequences of bearing witness to the darker aspects of human existence.
Tissue
by Imtiaz Dharker
"Tissue" by Imtiaz Dharker is a contemplative poem that explores the fragility and power of human life through the extended metaphor of paper. The poem reflects on how paper, though delicate, holds significant power in shaping our lives through documents, maps, and religious texts. Dharker uses this metaphor to discuss themes of impermanence, the transient nature of human constructs, and the desire for change. The poem suggests that while human creations and borders may seem substantial, they are ultimately fragile and temporary. Dharker's work invites readers to consider the potential for renewal and transformation inherent in this fragility.
The Emigrée
by Carole Rumens
"The Emigrée" by Carol Rumens explores the nostalgia and longing of a person who recalls their homeland from afar. The poem vividly describes a city through the eyes of someone who remembers it as a place of beauty and joy, contrasting sharply with its current state of war and destruction. Themes of memory, identity, and the impact of political turmoil resonate throughout the poem. The speaker's affection for their homeland is contrasted with the harsh reality of exile and displacement. Rumens uses vivid imagery and sensory details to evoke a sense of loss and longing, highlighting the enduring power of memory amidst adversity.
Checking Out Me History
by John Agard
"Checking Out Me History" by John Agard is a powerful exploration of identity, heritage, and reclaiming history. The poem challenges colonial narratives and celebrates the overlooked contributions of figures from non-Western cultures, such as Toussaint L'Ouverture and Mary Seacole. Agard critiques the Eurocentric education system that marginalizes diverse histories, highlighting themes of cultural pride, injustice, and the need to reclaim one's own narrative. Through a blend of Caribbean Creole and Standard English, the poem asserts the importance of acknowledging and honouring the rich tapestry of global history. "Checking Out Me History" underscores the significance of representation and cultural empowerment in shaping personal and collective identity.
Kamikaze
by Beatrice Garland
"Kamikaze" by Beatrice Garland tells the haunting tale of a Japanese pilot who, after being shamed by his country for returning from a suicide mission, turns back to face his family and society. Themes of duty, honour, and the conflict between personal and societal expectations permeate the poem. Garland explores the consequences of conformity and the pressure to adhere to cultural norms, juxtaposing the individual's inner turmoil with the rigid demands of society. The poem delves into the psychological and emotional complexities of wartime decisions and their lasting impact on individuals and their families, offering a profound exploration of human resilience and moral dilemmas.