1. ‘Love and Relationships’ AQA Grade 9-1 Course by Geraldine Rose
A Higher Level Grade Poetry Comparison of “The Follower” by Seamus Heaney & “Mother, Any Distance” by Simon Armitage
‘Love and Relationships’ AQA Grade 9-1 Course
by Geraldine Rose

2. “The Follower”
by Seamus Heaney

3. “Mother, Any Distance”
by Simon Armitage

4. In this lesson, we’ll be taking a look at a (higher level grade) answer for the following task: “Compare how family relationships are presented in ‘The Follower’ by Seamus Heaney and ‘Mother, Any Distance’ by Simon Armitage.”

5. Higher Level Grades To achieve higher level grades, you need to compare: (1) poetic language, (2) poetic structure & (3) poetic form. You also need to refer to historical context too! Before reading the comparative essay, on the Word handout, it’s worth looking at the essay’s structure, detailed in the slides below:

6. 1st Paragraph-You need to write a very short introductory paragraph
1st Paragraph-You need to write a very short introductory paragraph. In the 1st paragraph, I commented on parental relationships and how these can change over time. The reference to family relationships, refers back to the task and lets the examiner know that you are specifically focusing on the task requested of you.

7. 2nd Paragraph-Comparing Language Devices In the 2nd paragraph, I’ve compared just ONE language device: metaphors. As long as you are developing your point in depth and detail, you only need to compare ONE language device and state its effect on the reader. Remember to use quotes!

8. 3rd Paragraph-Comparing Poetic Form In the 3rd paragraph, I’ve compared how poetic form is used in both poems to present family relationships. Although the poems use different poetic forms, their rhyme schemes portray similar familiar emotions, so remember rhyme schemes too (if appropriate)! During lessons, you’ll be studying the poetic forms used in the poetry cluster.

9. 4th Paragraph-Comparing Poetic Structure In the 4th paragraph, I’ve compared just ONE form of poetic structure: enjambment. You only need to compare ONE form of poetic structure (in depth/detail) & highlight its effect on the reader for higher level grades. Remember to use examples from the text!

10. 5th Paragraph-Historical Context Historical context refers to the moods, attitudes, and conditions that existed when the poet wrote the poem. It’s NOT a history essay though! Comments can be brief about each poem’s historical context, make sure your comments are relevant to family relationships at that time in history!

11. Comparitive Essay Structure Summary 1
Comparitive Essay Structure Summary 1.A short, introductory paragraph 2.Comparison of how both poems use ONE language device to depict family relationships (metaphors). 3.Comparison of how both poems use poetic structure to depict family relationships. 4.Comparison of how both poems use ONE type of poetic form (enjambment) to depict family relationships. 5.Some historical context comments.

12. Having looked at the comparative essay structure, the essay should now make more ‘sense‘. To reinforce from earlier, for higher level grades, you do need to compare: (1) a language device (2) poetic form and (3) a poetic structure in depth and detail. Remember to comment on historical context too! Wishing you every success in your Literature GCSE-Geraldine Rose