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

2. 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)

3. 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)

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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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)