Claire's Notes
Online English tutorials
for GCSE and beyond
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Oxford AQA IGCSE
Welcome to your ultimate guide to mastering the Oxford AQA IGCSE People and places 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 IGCSE 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!
Poems for examination from 2027
In a London Drawing Room by George Eliot
Futility
by Wilfred Owen
Below the Green Corrie
by Norman McCaig
The Great Storm
by Jo Shapcott
Homeland
by Sophia de Mello Breyner
Where I Come From by Elizabeth Brewster
This Morning
by Esther Morgan
At Castle Boterel
byThomas Hardy
by Ted Hughes
The Journey
by Mary Oliver
by Boey Kim Cheng
Blessing
by Imtiaz Dharker
by Owen Sheers
The Moment
by Margaret Atwood
The Door
by Miroslav Holub
by William Blake
The Road Not Taken
by Robert Frost
Storm on the Island by Seamus Heaney
Poem at Thirty-Nine by Alice Walker
Hurricane Hits England
by Grace Nichols
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.
Wind
by Ted Hughes
"Wind" by Ted Hughes is a vivid depiction of a powerful storm that dramatically affects the natural landscape and a house on a hill. The poem captures the sheer force and relentless energy of the wind, using intense imagery to convey the storm's impact on the environment and the speaker. Themes of nature's overwhelming power, human vulnerability, and the insignificance of humanity in the face of natural forces are prominent. Hughes' language evokes a sense of awe and fear, illustrating the raw, uncontrollable energy of the wind and its capacity to dominate and reshape the world around it.
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.
The Planners
by Boey Kim Cheng
"The Planners" by Boey Kim Cheng critiques the modern urban landscape. Boey describes a city meticulously planned and controlled, where every detail is uniform and predictable. He contrasts this with the chaotic, organic nature of the natural world. The poem explores how excessive planning and development can erase diversity and creativity, leaving behind a sterile and impersonal environment. Boey's vivid imagery and straightforward language highlight the consequences of prioritizing efficiency over human connection and natural beauty. The poem prompts readers to reflect on the balance between progress and preserving the uniqueness and spontaneity that enrich human life.
Where I Come From
by Elizabeth Brewster
"Where I Come From" by Elizabeth Brewster is a reflective poem that explores the profound connection between identity and the places where one grows up. Written in free verse, the poem contrasts the urban environment with the rural landscape, highlighting the stark differences between city life and the natural world. Brewster asserts that people are shaped by their surroundings, suggesting that one's sense of self is inextricably linked to the land and experiences of their upbringing. Through vivid imagery and a restrained style, Brewster emphasizes the enduring impact of place on the psyche, illustrating how deeply rooted these connections can be.
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.