Comparing Poems The 8 Point Question ‘Divorce’ and ‘Keeping Orchids’

The 8 Point Question How to get the points: Mention the specific area of commonality and include what poem(s) you will be discussing. (2 marks) Make a specific reference to the poem in front of you (quote) and link to the question – mention techniques and effect. (2 marks) Make a reference to another poem and link to the question – again, mention techniques and their effect. (2 marks) Make a reference to the other poem again and link to the question – again, mention techniques and their effect. (2 marks) You can do this in bullet points or paragraph form, but make sure you use full sentences. Choose at least one other poem by Kay that explores the theme of family relationships. Show how the poet explores the theme in Divorce and your chosen poem. (8 MARKS)

Marking Scheme Identification of commonality (2): (eg: theme, central relationship, importance of setting, use of imagery, development in characterisation, use of personal experience, use of narrative style, or any other key element...) From the extract (2): 1 x relevant reference to technique (1) 1 x appropriate comment (1) OR 1 x relevant reference to idea (1) 1 x relevant reference to feature (1) 1 x relevant reference to text (1) (maximum of 2 marks only for discussion of extract) from at least one other text/part of the text: as above (x 2) for up to 4 marks (4)

Planning Split your page in two and begin listing the main themes and ideas of the two poems. Then go through your lists and highlight similarities and differences between the two. Create a second list for the poetic techniques we have explored.

Themes and Ideas Divorce Breakdown in idea of family Relationships between parents and children Daughter thinks she has been treated unfairly Wants to ‘divorce’ or leave parents Has an idealistic/unrealistic image of parents Keeping Orchids Relationship between mother and daughter Adoption Daughter wants to have a relationship with her mother, but they have difficulty opening up. Overall pessimistic idea of family Realises that her natural mother has another daughter/life without her

Language and Techniques Divorce Dramatic monologue Persona of a young child Enjambment Humorous tone Loosely sonnet form Dramatic, over the top Metaphor creates idealistic, OTT images of family Anger Keeping Orchids Persona of a mature woman Transferred epithet Enjambment Serious tone Controlled 2 stanza form Controlled, lacking emotion Symbolism of orchids demonstrates the strained, limited idea of family Bitter at times

8 Mark Question Using these plans write up a complete answer for the 8 mark question. Choose at least one other poem by Kay that explores the theme of family relationships. Show how the poet explores the theme in Divorce and your chosen poem. (8 MARKS)