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For examination in 2023, 2024 & 2025
For examination in 2026
For examination in 2023, 2024 & 2025
For examination in 2023, 2024 & 2025
Songs of Ourselves, Volume I, part 4
Welcome to your ultimate guide to mastering the Cambridge iGCSE Songs of Ourselves Poetry Anthology, Volume I, part 4. 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 for free now and unlock the secrets of the anthology with Claire's Notes!

The City Planners
by Margaret Atwood
"The City Planners" by Margaret Atwood critiques urban development. Atwood portrays meticulously designed suburbs where every house and tree looks alike, contrasting them with natural landscapes altered by human hands. The poem warns against excessive planning, arguing it can strip away individuality and creativity, leading to sterile and impersonal environments. Atwood vividly illustrates how these planned cities lack the spontaneity and beauty found in nature, emphasizing the drawbacks of rigid urban structures. Her powerful imagery and straightforward language highlight the impact of city planning on human experience, urging readers to consider the balance between order and natural beauty.
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.
The Man with Night Sweats
by Thom Gunn
"The Man with Night Sweats" by Thom Gunn confronts the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic through personal and poignant reflections. Gunn vividly portrays the physical and emotional turmoil experienced by those afflicted, capturing their pain, fear, and resilience. The poem mourns the loss of friends and lovers while grappling with the harsh realities of illness and mortality. Through powerful imagery and candid language, Gunn conveys the urgency of the crisis and the profound human suffering it causes. The poem serves as a poignant reminder of the human toll of AIDS, urging empathy and understanding from readers of all ages.
Night Sweat
by Robert Lowell
In Robert Lowell's poem "Night Sweat," the speaker contemplates his existence amidst the mundane setting of his work-table and scattered belongings. The poem delves into themes of mortality, existential angst, and the relentless pursuit of artistic expression. Lowell vividly describes the physical discomfort of night sweats as a metaphor for the inner turmoil and emotional intensity he experiences. He grapples with the weight of his vulnerability and fear and seeks solace in the presence of his wife, whose lightness and support offer moments of respite. Throughout, there's a poignant exploration of the fragility of life and the complexities of human emotions.
Rain
by Edward Thomas
In Edward Thomas's poem "Rain," the speaker finds comfort in the soothing rain that falls on a bleak hut in the middle of the night. As he reflects on mortality, the rain seems to symbolize purification and the washing away of worldly concerns. The speaker ponders the blessing of rain falling on the deceased (presumably those on the battlefields of the First World War) and prays for those they once loved, hoping they are not suffering alone. The speaker contemplates his own emotions, acknowledging that only the love of death remains unbroken by the rain. Through evocative imagery and introspective language, the poem explores themes of mortality, solitude, and the transformative power of nature's elements.
The Spirit is Too Blunt an Instrument
by Anne Stevenson
In Anne Stevenson's poem "The Spirit is Too Blunt an Instrument", the speaker is cynical of human emotions' capacity as a positive force. It explores the speaker's awe at the intricate process of human creation while holding a baby, suggesting the human spirit couldn't have crafted such precision. The poem contrasts the delicate perfection of the baby's anatomy with the perceived clumsiness of human emotions. It challenges readers to consider any passion or feeling that matches the accuracy needed for creating such intricate structures. Ultimately, the poem invites reflection on the limitations of human emotions in achieving the precision observed in the baby's resilience and delicate physical form.
Funeral Blues
by W. H. Auden
"Funeral Blues" by W. H. Auden mourns the loss of a loved one with raw emotion and vivid imagery. The speaker expresses overwhelming grief, urging the world to stop and acknowledge the immensity of their loss. They demand silence, stillness, and the stopping of everyday activities as a mark of respect. Auden's powerful language and repetitive structure heighten the intensity of mourning, capturing the universal experience of profound loss. The poem strikes a chord with readers by evoking deep empathy and reflecting on the overwhelming emotions that accompany death, emphasizing the need for collective acknowledgment and respect in times of sorrow.
He Never Expected Much
by Thomas Hardy
In "He Never Expected Much," Thomas Hardy reflects on his life with a sense of acceptance and realism. The poet addresses the personified "World," expressing that he had never expected much from life, and therefore, was not disappointed by its hardships and challenges. Hardy recounts his childhood expectations, which were modest, and acknowledges that life has been true to those expectations. The poem conveys a tone of resignation and wisdom, suggesting that having humble expectations can lead to a more contented and less disillusioned existence. Hardy's message highlights the importance of managing one's expectations to cope with life's unpredictability.
The Telephone Call
by Fleur Adcock
"The Telephone Call" by Fleur Adcock is a fictional narrative centered on a hoax phone call. Adcock employs the lottery as a metaphor for life, delving into themes of randomness, expectation, and disappointment. The narrative suggests that people often navigate life in a detached manner, akin to sleepwalking, where they are emotionally and physically disconnected from the present moment. This metaphor underscores a deeper exploration of human existence, highlighting how individuals may overlook their own emotions and bodily sensations, thus missing out on the profound interactions that shape their experiences.
A Consumer's Report
by Peter Porter
"A Consumer's Report" by Peter Porter is a satirical poem that critiques modern consumerism and the quest for fulfillment through material possessions. The poet humorously imagines life as a product being reviewed, listing its features, flaws, and the dissatisfaction it brings despite promises of happiness and improvement. Porter highlights the repetitive and unremarkable nature of daily life, questioning the true value and meaning behind societal expectations and material pursuits. The poem conveys a sense of disillusionment with consumer culture, suggesting that true satisfaction and purpose cannot be found through consumption alone. It encourages readers to reflect on the deeper aspects of life beyond material goods.
Request to a Year
by Judith Wright
"Request to a Year" is a poignant, autobiographical poem that delves into inherited memory within the poet's family history, recounting a near-drowning incident documented in a surviving sketch. Judith Wright admires her great-great-grandmother's stoicism and mental fortitude as she carried on sketching even though her son's life was in mortal danger. Beyond this admiration, the poem explores themes of motherhood, art, memory, inheritance, and the documentation of history. It also critiques the societal constraints placed on women during the nineteenth century. Wright uses this deeply personal narrative to reflect on the complexities of familial legacy and the enduring impact of past experiences on future generations.
On Finding a Small Fly Crushed in a Book
by Charles Tennyson Turner
"On Finding a Small Fly Crushed in a Book" by Charles Tennyson Turner reflects on the fragility of life through the imagery of a fly unintentionally trapped and crushed within the pages of a book. The poet contemplates the sudden and unremarked death of the insect, drawing parallels to the short-lived nature of human existence. The poem evokes a sense of sadness, as it meditates on the insignificance of the fly's life, yet acknowledges the inevitability and randomness of death that touches all living beings, regardless of their scale or significance. Turner's work poignantly underscores the delicate and brief nature of life.
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.
Away, Melancholy
by Stevie Smith
"Away, Melancholy" by Stevie Smith is a poem that seeks to dispel feelings of sadness and despair. The poet calls for melancholy to be banished, emphasizing the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Through vivid imagery of nature's wonders, such as the sun, moon, stars, and the vast sea, and humankind's capacity for love, Smith encourages embracing the joy and marvels around us. The poem contrasts the heaviness of sorrow with the lightness of nature's splendour, suggesting that appreciating the world's beauty should be enough to drive away melancholy.
From Long Distance (Long Distance II)
by Tony Harrison
"From Long Distance" ("Long Distance II) by Tony Harrison is a poignant poem about grief and memory. The speaker attempts to process his father's death and the lingering sense of loss that he feels by reflecting on the way his own father coped with the death of his mother through his rituals of mourning, such as keeping her slippers warming by the gas fire. The poem explores the complexity of father-son relationships and the enduring impact of loss on family dynamics. Harrison's candid language and personal reflections convey the universal experience of coming to terms with mortality and the ache that the absence of a loved one creates. Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, the poem captures the essence of mourning and the resilience of familial bonds.
Songs of Ourselves, Volume I, part 5
For examination in 2026
Welcome to your ultimate guide to mastering the Cambridge iGCSE Songs of Ourselves Poetry Anthology, Volume I, part 5. 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 for free now and unlock the secrets of the anthology with Claire's Notes!

Song: Love Armed
by Aphra Behn
Aphra Behn's poem 'Love Armed' explores the theme of unrequited love, portraying it as a powerful and destructive force. Written in the 17th century, the poem uses striking imagery and personification to depict love as a conqueror armed with weapons like sighs, tears, and arrows. The speaker laments how love brings joy to some while inflicting pain on others, highlighting the imbalance and cruelty of desire. Behn's vivid language and emotional intensity emphasize the anguish of unreturned affection, painting love as a tyrant that wounds and enslaves its victims without mercy.
A Different History
by Sujata Bhatt
Sujata Bhatt's poem 'A Different History' reflects on the complexities of cultural identity, colonisation, and language. Set against the backdrop of India's rich cultural heritage, the poem explores how history, religion, and language shape personal and collective identities. Bhatt contrasts the reverence for books and knowledge in Indian tradition with the painful legacy of British colonialism, particularly the imposition of the English language. Through vivid imagery and reflective tone, Bhatt questions the impact of cultural assimilation and the survival of native traditions. The poem ultimately expresses a deep ambivalence towards the past, while grappling with the tensions of cultural displacement.
The Chimney-Sweeper
by William Blake
William Blake’s 'The Chimney-Sweeper' from Songs of Experience is a scathing critique of societal and institutional exploitation, focusing on the plight of child labourers in 18th-century England. Through the voice of a weeping chimney-sweep, Blake exposes the hypocrisy of a society that condones such suffering while seeking spiritual absolution in church. The poem contrasts starkly with its counterpart in Songs of Innocence, where religious faith offers the children solace. Here, however, Blake lays bare the hollow promises of salvation, revealing a world where innocence is crushed by experience and the Church and state are complicit in systemic oppression.
Where I Come From
by Elizabeth Brewster
Elizabeth Brewster's poem 'Where I Come From' explores the deep connection between individuals and their places of origin, reflecting how landscapes, environments, and memories shape identity. Through contrasting urban and rural imagery, Brewster examines how these surroundings influence people's behaviour, thoughts, and emotions. The poem suggests that where we come from is more than a geographic location; it profoundly affects who we are and how we interact with the world. Brewster's evocative use of sensory language invites readers to reflect on the significance of their own roots and the ways they carry these places within them.
Report to Wordsworth
by Boey Kim Cheng
Boey Kim Cheng's poem 'Report to Wordsworth' reflects a deep sense of environmental loss and degradation, echoing the concerns of Romantic poet William Wordsworth. Addressed to Wordsworth as a plea, the poem laments humanity's destruction of nature, portraying the Earth as suffering and near death. Cheng intertwines classical mythology and contemporary issues, referencing figures like Proteus and Triton to emphasise the magnitude of the crisis. Through vivid imagery of pollution and decay, the poem warns of the consequences of neglecting nature, urging a return to the reverence for the natural world that Wordsworth once celebrated.
Lament
by Gillian Clarke
Gillian Clarke's poem 'Lament' is a powerful reflection on the environmental devastation caused by the Gulf War in 1991. Written in response to the human and ecological destruction, the poem captures the sorrow and mourning for lost life, both human and animal, as well as the poisoning of natural habitats. Clarke uses vivid imagery to evoke a sense of grief, from the oil-soaked cormorants to the "burnt earth" and "blazing well." Through these snapshots of environmental ruin, Lament highlights the profound consequences of human conflict on the natural world, prompting readers to reflect on the fragile balance between humanity and nature.
The Cockroach
by Kevin Halligan
Kevin Halligan's poem 'The Cockroach' offers a reflective meditation on the human condition through the seemingly simple observation of a cockroach’s movements. As the speaker watches the insect scuttle across a room, the cockroach’s erratic behaviour and eventual hesitance mirror deeper existential questions. Through vivid imagery and detailed description, Halligan imbues the cockroach with symbolic significance, suggesting parallels between the insect's aimless wandering and human experiences of confusion, uncertainty, and self-awareness. The poem ultimately invites readers to consider how even the most mundane moments can provoke introspection, shedding light on themes of life’s unpredictability and the search for meaning.
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 labour 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.
Storyteller
by Liz Lochhead
In Liz Lochhead's poem 'Storyteller', the speaker reflects on the vital role of storytelling in rural life. Set in a modest kitchen, the poem centres on a woman whose task is to entertain others with tales while they perform physical work, such as grating corn and patching clothes. Through rich imagery and metaphor, Lochhead highlights the power of stories to connect generations, as the children absorb these narratives, allowing them to "fly again" in their dreams. The poem underscores the significance of oral tradition, portraying storytelling as a valuable, meaningful act that transcends the physical labour of the day.
Before the Sun
by Charles Mungoshi
In Charles Mungoshi’s poem 'Before the Sun', a fourteen-year-old boy, on the cusp of adulthood, embraces the early morning as he chops wood, savouring the earthy smells and stillness. The poem juxtaposes physical labour with moments of introspection, as he shares his roasted maize with the sun in a playful, almost ritualistic gesture. This scene captures both youthful innocence and a dawning self-awareness, evoking the boy’s deep connection to his surroundings. Mungoshi explores themes of growth, harmony with nature, and the passage of time, reflecting the vibrancy of a rural Zimbabwean morning in vivid, sensory detail.
A Married State
by Katherine Philips
Katherine Philips’ poem 'A Married State' offers a lively exploration of the complexities and burdens associated with marriage in the 17th century. Written during a time when societal norms pressured women to marry, Philips presents a critical (and perhaps slightly tongue-in-cheek) view of the institution, contrasting the perceived virtues of marital life with the hardships it entails. She articulates the emotional and spiritual toll that marriage can impose on women, ultimately advocating for the value of singlehood and personal autonomy. This poem invites readers to reflect on the expectations of love and the realities of married life.
From An Essay on Man
by Alexander Pope
In this extract from Alexander Pope's Essay on Man, the poet explores the complex and contradictory nature of humanity. Pope suggests that humans occupy a "middle state," torn between reason and emotion, wisdom and folly. We are caught in a constant struggle to understand our place in the world, unsure whether to view ourselves as divine beings or mere animals. Pope reflects on the limitations of human knowledge and the inevitability of error, portraying mankind as both powerful and vulnerable. The poem delves into the chaos of thought and passion, offering a profound meditation on the human condition.
Carpet-weavers, Morocco
by Carol Rumens
Carol Rumens' poem Carpet-weavers, Morocco explores themes of labour, tradition, and childhood, capturing the lives of young carpet-weavers in Morocco. The poem vividly describes the intricate process of weaving, portraying the children’s dedication and skill as they create vibrant, complex designs. Through sensory imagery and metaphors, Rumens contrasts the beauty of the carpets with the harsh reality of child labour, subtly questioning the cost of such artistry. This juxtaposition evokes a sense of both admiration and sadness, highlighting the children’s lost innocence as they contribute to a demanding craft, transforming threads into tapestries that symbolise cultural heritage and sacrifice.
Sonnet 18 ("Shall I compare thee?")
by William Shakespeare
Shakespeare's Sonnet 18, beginning with the famous line "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?", explores themes of beauty, love, and the passage of time. The speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of summer, highlighting its imperfections and brevity. However, he ultimately asserts that the beloved’s beauty transcends these natural limitations, promising immortality through poetry. The sonnet critiques conventional romantic comparisons, emphasising a deeper, more enduring love. By celebrating the beloved's eternal summer, Shakespeare elevates the power of art to capture and preserve beauty, making the poem a profound meditation on love's resilience against time and decay.
Hunting Snake
by Judith Wright
Judith Wright's poem 'Hunting Snake' captures a brief yet powerful encounter between humans and nature. Set in the Australian landscape, the poem describes the awe-inspiring presence of a snake gliding through its environment with effortless grace and power. Wright’s precise and evocative language creates a vivid sense of the snake's silent authority, as it commands attention without causing harm. The poem contrasts the snake’s natural beauty and primal instinct with the human reaction of both fear and fascination. Through this fleeting moment, Wright explores themes of the sublime in nature, human vulnerability, and the delicate balance between life and death.
Songs of Ourselves, Volume II, part 4
For examination in 2023, 2024 & 2025
Welcome to your ultimate guide to mastering the Cambridge iGCSE Songs of Ourselves Poetry Anthology, Volume II, part 4. 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 for free now and unlock the secrets of the anthology with Claire's Notes!

After by Philip Bourke Marston
A Leave-Taking by Algernon Charles Swinburne
I Find No Peace by Sir Thomas Wyatt
I Hear an Army by James Joyce
Rooms by Charlotte Mew
Love in a Life by Robert Browning
Waterfall by Lauris Edmond
Verses Written on her Death-bed at Bath to her Husband in London by Mary Monck (‘Marinda’)
Rhyme of the Dead Self by A. R. D. Fairburn
Stanzas Written in Dejection, Near Naples by Percy Bysshe Shelley
Nearing Forty by Derek Walcott
Now Let No Charitable Hope by Elinor Morton Wylie
From An Essay on Criticism by Alexander Pope
The Character of a Happy Life by Henry Wotton
The Forsaken Wife
by Elizabeth Thomas ("Corinna")
"The Forsaken Wife" by Elizabeth Thomas portrays the plight of a woman trapped in an unhappy marriage, unable to escape due to societal constraints and legal limitations. The poem explores themes of women's rights, marriage, and gender inequality prevalent in the 18th century. It highlights the woman's emotional turmoil and sense of betrayal by her husband's infidelity, emphasizing her powerless position as property of her spouse. Thomas critiques the societal norms that confined women to subservient roles and limited their legal rights, illustrating the emotional and psychological toll of such constraints on women's lives during that era.