“Both poems are about growing old”

“Both poems talk about dull places and how dusty they are”

Focused use of detail Thoughtful discussion – ‘I think’ Clear comparisons made Talk about writers and readers Discuss themes Talk about power of structure “When the writer describes the ‘sharp footfalls’ above the basement as ‘nails in a lid’ I feel that he is bringing up images of coffins and being buried alive” “Similarly, the theme of death is clear in Yew Tree Guest House, but it is more suggested. They are described as ‘widows’ but the idea of their own death is kept quiet – no one talks about it”

Assured analysis – ‘I believe’ Many meanings considered Language choice discussed Similarities and differences Confident links and comparisons Ability to move from the specific to the general “The use of the phrase ‘Dead Sunday’ creates a sense of hopelessness and feels similar to the ‘damp’ and ‘musty’ scene in the goodwill store, where time equally has no meaning any more.” “However, the writer of the Goodwill Store also explores the theme of possibility or new life when the old man tries on the glasses: ‘two mirrors which flash and dance’. There is a lot of life left in this image.”

“From the title onwards, the writer explores a goodwill store or charity shop. In my opinion, he uses the image of the shop as a metaphor for how life slowly crumbles to a mess and memories are scattered everywhere, as we can see from all of the objects. Through the shop he is exploring the theme of memory – all of the items seem familiar to the main in the shop, but he can’t quite place them and it makes the poem feel uneasy.”

The Christmas tie you hated

“When the old man picks up ‘the Christmas tie you hated’, it creates a mixture of feelings. On one hand, it reminds us how ridiculous the old man looks – he is out of place, wearing Christmas items at the wrong time of year. On the other hand, the person looking at the old man seems uncharitable in the middle of the charity shop – he hated the gift of the tie and now equally hates seeing the old man wear it, even though he appears a lonely character, likely to have no Christmas gifts at all.”