Nettles (Edexcel GCSE English Literature)

Revision Note

Author

Nettles

In the exam, the exam paper will include one complete poem (printed), and you will be asked to compare it with another of the 15 poems in your poetry anthology.

As the examination is “closed book”, you will not be able to access or see the other poem. Of course, you won’t be able to remember every line from comparison poem, but you do need to understand and be able to recall some of the key elements of the poem.

Here are some of the elements you need to remember to write a top-grade exam response:

The meaning of the poem
The ideas and messages of the poet
How the poet conveys these ideas through their methods
How these ideas compare and contrast with the ideas of other poets in the anthology

Below is a guide to Vernon Scannell’s poem ‘Nettles’, from the Edexcel GCSE English Literature Relationships anthology. It includes:

Overview: a breakdown of the poem, including its possible meanings and interpretations
Writer’s methods: an exploration of the poet’s techniques and methods
Context: an exploration of the context of the poem, relevant to its themes
What to compare it to: ideas about which poems to compare it to in the exam

Exam Tip

As part of the Relationships anthology, 'Nettles' examines themes related to family love and feelings of powerlessness and frustration in a relationship. The exam question asks you to compare the way poets have presented these particular ideas across two anthology poems.

It is therefore as important that you learn how themes in 'Nettles' compare and contrast with other poems in the anthology rather than understanding the poem in isolation.

See the section below on “What to compare it to” for detailed comparisons of 'Nettles' and other poems in the anthology.

Overview

In order to answer an essay question on any poem you need to understand what it is about. This section includes:

The poem in a nutshell
A “translation” of the poem, section-by-section
A commentary of each of these sections, outlining Vernon Scannell’s intention and message

'Nettles' in a nutshell

'Nettles', written by the poet Vernon Scannell, explores family relationships by illustrating a parent’s strong emotions towards their son. The poem examines feelings of powerlessness as a parent realises their limitations.

'Nettles' breakdown

Line 1

“My son aged three fell in the nettle bed.”

Translation

The poem begins with narration from the perspective of a parent
Their young son fell in a bed of nettles, a wild plant with leaves that sting

Scannell's intention

Scannell begins with an emphatic and matter-of-fact statement to portray the parent as controlled and calm

Lines 2–3

“‘Bed’ seemed a curious name for those green spears,

That regiment of spite behind the shed:”

Translation

The speaker thinks it is strange to use the word “‘Bed’” for a patch of nettles
The nettles are described metaphorically as weapons (“spears”) and a “regiment” (a military unit)
The speaker personifies the nettles, describing them as spiteful or cruel

Scannell's intention

Scannell’s speaker shows controlled emotion as they reflect on the plant
Metaphorical imagery relating to the military conveys the impression of the plant as an army that attacks with force

Lines 4–5

“It was no place for rest. With sobs and tears

The boy came seeking comfort and I saw”

Translation

These lines remind the reader that the plant is not a bed as it does not offer rest
Instead the boy has been hurt and needs his parent’s comfort

Scannell's intention

The short sentence in the first line indicates the speaker’s grim conclusion about nettles
The speaker emphasises the son’s pain and alludes to the parental role of care-giver

Lines 6–8

“White blisters beaded on his tender skin.

We soothed him till his pain was not so raw.

At last he offered us a watery grin,”

Translation

The extent of the boy’s injuries (“blisters”) is emphasised by comparing the boy’s “tender” young skin and the “raw” pain he feels
These lines describe, too, how the parents comforted him until he was able to offer a weak and “watery” smile

Scannell's intention

Scannell uses diction that connotes the boy’s vulnerability and fragility
He also presents the parents as keen to help the child with the phrase “At last”

Lines 9–10

“And then I took my billhook, honed the blade

And went outside and slashed in fury with it”

Translation

These lines describe the actions the parent takes in retaliation
They sharpened (“honed”) a “billhook” (pruning knife) and furiously cut down the nettles

Scannell's intention

Here, the parent’s anger implies their intense love for their son, as they “slashed” with “fury”:

To fix the problem and protect their son in future they take immediate action

Lines 11–13

“Till not a nettle in that fierce parade

Stood upright any more. And then I lit

A funeral pyre to burn the fallen dead”

Translation

The speaker is determined that the nettles are all destroyed
The plant is a “fierce parade”, implying it is a vicious and disciplined enemy:

The parent makes sure the nettles are burned in a fire (a “funeral pyre”) to make sure they cannot sting their son again

The phrase “fallen dead” continues the extended military metaphor and alludes to soldiers who have died in battle

Scannell's intention

Scannell shows the parent’s desperation to protect their son
The dark imagery suggests their powerful emotional response to their child’s pain

Lines 14–15

“But in two weeks the busy sun and rain

Had called up tall recruits behind the shed:”

Translation

The speaker says that despite their attempts to kill the nettles, they grew back again
The sun and rain are “busy”, suggesting nature’s power
In two weeks the nettles are “tall recruits”, strong and fresh soldiers

Scannell's intention

This is the volta of the poem as the speaker realises they are powerless against nature
Personifying the sun, the rain and the nettles implies nature is stronger than the parent

Line 16

“My son would often feel sharp wounds again.”

Translation

The poem concludes that the parent cannot protect their son from pain in the future
Although the speaker refers to nettles, the implication is that the world will naturally bring more “sharp wounds”

Scannell's intention

Scannell’s vivid extended metaphor conveys a parent’s sad acknowledgment that their desire to protect their child from the world (nature) is futile

Exam Tip

In the exam, you will be given a poem from the Relationships anthology and asked to compare how it, and another poem of your choice, presents a key theme. It is always worth starting your answer by referring to the theme in the question. This demonstrates to the examiner that you have understood what the question is asking of you, but also that you have a good understanding of the poems themselves.

For example, “‘Nettles’ explores key themes about complicated parental relationships. This theme can be linked to…”

See the section “What to compare it to” for further suggestions.

Writer’s methods

Although you will explore three different elements of this poem – form, structure and language – it is important to take an integrated approach, focusing on the main themes and ideas of the poem and then evaluating how Scannell’s choices of language, structure and form contribute to these ideas. In essence, you should explore how and why the poet has made the choices they have, in relation to their intentions and message.

Focusing on the poet’s main ideas, rather than individual poetic techniques, will gain you far more marks. In the below sections, all analysis is arranged by theme, and includes Scannell’s intentions behind his choices in terms of:

Form
Structure
Language

Exam Tip

The best answers build convincing arguments that choose supporting evidence judiciously. This means it is best to judge which evidence is the best to use. Try to choose relevant evidence (which may include quotations and usually includes a language or subject term) to support your analysis. Remember, it can be useful to include the poems’ titles in your analysis, and it is almost always relevant to compare the perspectives and forms across poems too.

The last thing examiners want to see is what they call “technique spotting”. For example, it is not advised to identify a metaphor without any explanation for why the poet chose to use this technique and how it contributes to their overall message.

Form

The form of 'Nettles' conveys ideas about strong parental love by reflecting a parent’s sense of discipline and desire for control.

Theme	Evidence	Poet's intention
Intimate relationships	The first-person speaker, a parent, expresses their intense feelings of love for their son: However, the form is rigid, one stanza without a break	Scannell portrays a parent’s controlled emotions as they try to comfort and protect their child
	The poem’s title introduces an extended metaphor that takes the form of an allegory: The speaker is matter-of-fact as he begins his story	Scannell describes a child who is injured by nettles to symbolise a parent’s need to take charge and protect
	Scannell does not break the one-stanza form but uses a volta to begin a three-line conclusion: The last line is separated to end with an emphatic statement	The poem’s tight form reflects the speaker’s tension as they attempt to protect their son from harm
	Scannell explores how a parent’s deep love brings a desire for control in their role as protector

Structure

The structure of the poem appears much like a sonnet but Scannell deviates from convention, perhaps to convey the feeling that intense love also brings unease or pain.

Theme	Evidence	Poet's intention
Intense love	Scannell employs the conventions of a sonnet: The poem has a regular rhyme scheme of abab cdcd efef ghgh Iambic pentameter creates a steady rhythm	The poem alludes to traditional expressions of intense emotion to convey the strength of parental love
	Caesurae reflects dramatic moments: Lines such as “It was no place for rest. With sobs and tears” and “Stood upright any more. And then I lit” add tension	Scannell conveys a parent’s urgent need to protect their son
	The poem breaks from the conventional style of a sonnet: Instead of 14 lines, the poem has 16 lines Scannell squeezes four quatrains together, unlike a sonnet’s typical three quatrains	Scannell disrupts a conventional sonnet to illustrate the parent’s love and pain
	Scannell shows how a parent’s strong feelings of love lead to frustration

Language

Scannell conveys ideas about family love with metaphorical language to present a parent’s battle against nature. The poem also illustrates a parent’s inevitable loss of control.

Theme	Evidence	Poet's intention
Family relationships	Scannell’s metaphor compares a bed of nettles to an army: The nettles are described as “green spears”, a “regiment of spite”, a “fierce parade” and “tall recruits”	Scanell’s use of metaphorical language and personification evoke the idea of a battle: The conflict is between the parent and nature (or the world)
	The parent’s fear manifests in aggressive action: They “slashed in fury” Alliteration highlights their determination: “Till not a nettle”	Scannell portrays a parent’s desperation to fight off any enemies in their bid to protect their child
	The young son’s vulnerability is emphasised with imagery: Alliteration in “blisters beaded” helps to highlight his “tender”, “raw” skin He has a weak and “watery grin” But he will feel “sharp wounds” again	Scannell shows the parent’s desire to keep their vulnerable child safe from harm
	Scannell’s poem is a symbolic representation of a parent’s sense of duty and the strength of family bonds

Context

Examiners repeatedly state that context should not be considered as additional factual information: in this case, you should not include random biographical information about Vernon Scannell or facts unrelated to the ideas in 'Nettles'. The best way to understand context is as the ideas and perspectives explored by Scannell that relate to complex love and family relationships.

This section has therefore been divided into two relevant themes that Scannell explores:

Complex love
Family relationships

Complex love

Vernon Scannell’s work is likely to have been influenced by his time in the military:

Scannell joined the army aged 18 and was sent to fight in World War II
His book, Walking Wounded, published in 1965, tells the story of a wounded veteran

Scannell’s use of military metaphors in his poetry may reflect his attitude to war:

His reaction to what he witnessed led him to desert the army
He was subsequently sent to military prison, after which he spent time in an institution as a result of mental illness
In the poem ‘Nettles’ he describes a strong military force that he must attack

While Nettles simply describes a parent’s anger at a stinging plant, it symbolises the complexities of deep love and the conflicting emotions it brings:

The parent sees the nettles as the enemy: they can inflict pain on the young boy
The poem says new “recruits” will simply replace the “fallen dead”
This is a poignant reflection, perhaps, of Scannell’s response to war

Scannell illustrates a parent’s sense of powerlessness to protect their loved one in the poem ‘Nettles’:

The parent’s furious actions illustrate the impact of external forces on a relationship
Its melancholic conclusion shows how love brings frustration
The parent’s desperate attempt to protect their child may reflect Scannell’s ideas about the futility of conflict
The parent says they cannot stop their loved one feeling “sharp wounds”

Family relationships

English poet Vernon Scannell (1922–2007) wrote over 30 poetry collections and a large number of novels, and the poem ‘Nettles’ appears in his collection New & Collected Poems: 1950–1980
Scannell often describes significant moments in everyday life to convey powerful ideas:

In the poem ‘Nettles’ Scannell describes a boy being comforted by his parents having been stung by these plants

Scannell’s poetry is known for its simple expression of deep ideas:

The first line is an example of this: “My son aged three fell in the nettle bed”
The speaker’s pragmatic tone, though, hides strong emotions to convey a parent’s sense of duty

Scannell’s poetry often uses conventional styles, particularly the form and structure of traditional poetry:

The form of ‘Nettles’ is almost a sonnet, which may allude to traditional expressions of intense emotions, which often used a sonnet form
‘Nettles’ deviates from typical romantic sonnets as it portrays a parent’s deep love for their son
It breaks from convention to imply limitations in achieving an ideal – the parent realises their limited power in preventing their son from harm

Although the poem is universal and relates to all parents, the poem may be inspired by the poet’s experiences in his own childhood:

Scannell left home aged 14 to escape an abusive relationship with his father
The poem portrays a strong family: both parents comfort the small boy (“We soothed him”)
Yet despite the temporary relief the parents can give, they are unable to protect him from future pain

What to compare it to

The essay you are required to write in your exam is a comparison of the ideas and themes explored in two of your anthology poems. It is therefore essential that you revise the poems together, in pairs, to understand how each poet presents ideas about love or relationships, in comparison to other poets in the anthology.

Given that 'Nettles' explores the ideas of family relationships and complex love, the following comparisons are the most appropriate:

'Nettles' and 'One Flesh'
'Nettles' and ‘A Child to his Sick Grandfather’
'Nettles' and 'The Manhunt'

For each pair of poems, you will find:

The comparison in a nutshell
Similarities between the ideas presented in each poem
Differences between the ideas presented in each poem
Evidence and analysis of these similarities and differences

Exam Tip

The examiners will reward answers that make convincing arguments about the presentation of the theme in the question across two poems in the Relationships cluster. Therefore, it is better to revise poems according to theme, rather than trying to remember each poem in isolation.

Remember, it is essential that you not only write about the named poem, but compare it to one other in the anthology. Only writing about the poem given on the paper will severely limit your marks.

‘Nettles’ and ‘One Flesh’

Comparison in a nutshell:

Both poems explore family relationships by presenting troubled speakers who reflect on the complexities of love. However, while Scannell describes the strong connection between son and parent, Jennings describes a child’s frustration at the distance in their parents’ relationship.

Similarities:

Topic sentence	Both poems describe intimate, yet tense moments in a close relationship
Evidence and analysis	‘Nettles’	'One Flesh'
	Scannell’s first-person poem describes a parent comforting their young son after he is stung by nettles: Emotive language creates a touching scene: “We soothed him till his pain was not so raw.”	Jennings depicts a married couple at bedtime: Sensory imagery is intimate yet unusual (the light is “on late”) The speaker says the aged couple have been touched “gently” by a “feather” of “time”
	Scannell, however, breaks the steady rhythm of the poem to allude to tensions and instability: Caesura is used to break lines abruptly, such as “It was no place for rest. With sobs and tears”	Jennings similarly breaks the constant rhythm of the poem to imply unease in the relationship: “How cool they lie. They hardly ever touch,”
	Scannell describes a parent who attempts to control their response to their son’s pain: The speaker goes outside to cut down the nettles in “fury” Yet the first and last line create a matter-of-fact tone with short, detached, parallel phrasing (“My son”)	In Jennings’s poem the couple are silent and withhold their feelings: The man’s book is held “unread” and the wife’s eyes are “fixed on the shadows” This is juxtaposed with a simile that implies strong emotions: “like a confession/Of having little feeling – or too much”
	The poets both examine repressed feelings in conflicted yet loving relationships

Topic sentence	Both poets explore the idea of ideal love and present it as unattainable
Evidence and analysis	‘Nettles’	'One Flesh'
	Scannell’s poem examines a parent’s wish to protect their son from all pain, even small blisters: Military metaphor alludes to the use of physical force to protect, and to fight off enemies The poem may be seen as a traditional representation of a parent, particularly a father It shows how a sense of duty leads to aggressive action	Jennings refers to traditional attitudes to marriage, that it is a “destination/For which” the couple’s “whole lives were a preparation”: The poem refers to Christian ideas that a married couple are “One Flesh” The poem suggests that, instead, it leads to “Chastity” and lack of intimacy
	Scannell’s poem explores the traditional role of parent as protector: The poem looks like a sonnet, perhaps to imply constancy Yet its deviations from convention hint at the futility of this ideal	Jennings’s speaker describes the couple’s bedtime routine with a regular rhythm to allude to the relationship’s traditional nature: Yet Jennings suggests it is awkward: “it is as if they wait/Some new event”
	Scannell’s volta introduces a grim conclusion: The last lines show the parent’s realisation Nature is powerful and inevitably brings pain They know they cannot stop their child feeling pain “again”	Jennings ends with a rhetorical question to convey disillusionment: The parents seem unaware their love has died Jennings explores the inevitability of time and ageing
	Both poets depict individuals who feel powerless in relationships

Differences:

Topic sentence	Scannell portrays the sad acknowledgment of a parent’s limitations, while Jennings’s poem is a melancholic reflection on dying passion
Evidence and analysis	‘Nettles’	'One Flesh'
	Scannell’s poem takes the form of one rigid stanza to convey the parent’s controlled yet desperate emotions at their son’s injury	Jennings reflects the reliable routine of marriage but breaks the poem into three separated quatrains to show the distance between the couple
	Scannell’s poem is a poignant description of parents comforting a child, “We soothed him”: Imagery describes the parent’s pain at their son’s “raw” pain and “tender” blistered skin	Jennings’s married couple do not speak to each other: Their silence is described with a simile, “like a thread to hold”, to connote a fragile bond
	Scannell describes a parent’s determined actions to protect their son: They “slashed in fury” They “lit a funeral pyre”	In contrast, Jennings’s speaker seems to comment from afar: Oxymoron describes the passion and former “fire” that is now “cool” and “cold”
	Scannell portrays a parent taking desperate measures to prevent their loved one’s pain, whereas Jennings’s poem conveys stagnant and cold passivity

Exam Tip

It is a good idea to begin your answer with a clear overview of the overarching themes within both poems. This means you should outline your choice of second poem in your introduction. You can then use the theme to move between both poems to provide the substance to illustrate your arguments.

However, this does not mean that you cannot focus on one poem first, and then the other, linking ideas back to the main poem. You should choose whichever structure suits you best, as long as comparison is embedded and ideas for both texts are well-developed without too much repetition.

‘Nettles’ and 'A Child to his Sick Grandfather'

Comparison in a nutshell:

Both Vernon Scannell’s ‘Nettles’ and Joanna Baillie’s ‘A Child to his Sick Grandfather’ explore close family relationships. However, while Scannell’s monologue portrays a parent desperate to protect their child, Baillie presents an optimistic child addressing their grandfather.

Similarities:

Topic sentence	Both poems depict intimate moments in family relationships
Evidence and analysis	‘Nettles’	‘A Child to his Sick Grandfather’
	Scannell describes a tender moment as parents care for their son’s injury: “We soothed him”	Baillie presents a child speaker’s touching address to their grandfather: “You used to smile and stroke my head”
	Scannell uses imagery to describe the moment the “boy came seeking comfort”: The speaker sees “White blisters beaded” on “tender skin” Here, Scannell emphasises the boy’s innocent fragility	Baillie, too, emphasises the loved one’s vulnerability and weakness: Adjectives are paired like “old and frail” and “wan and hollow” The speaker draws attention to his thin (“Scant”) “white hairs”
	Scannell shows the parent’s patience and commitment: The speaker says “At last he offered us a watery grin”	Baillie’s poem is a long address to a grandfather, implying patient, devoted love: The speaker insists they will comfort the grandfather “when the weary fire turns blue” and “when you wake”
	The poems both portray emotional moments as speakers express their deep love for a family member

Topic sentence	Both poems explore pain that comes from deep bonds
Evidence and analysis	‘Nettles’	'A Child to his Sick Grandfather'
	Scannell uses metaphorical imagery related to the military to show the impact of external forces on a relationship: The speaker describes a “regiment of spite” and “tall recruits”	Baillie describes the impact of the grandfather’s poor health on the community: The speaker describes “good men” who “kneel, and say their prayers” They say that “gossips” ask after him and that “everybody looks so sad”
	Scannell describes the parent’s angry retaliation as a result of his frustration: They “slashed with fury” until “not a nettle” was left alive They “lit/A funeral pyre”	Similarly, Baillie conveys the speaker’s frustration with a rhetorical question: “You will not die and leave us then?” They instruct the grandfather “Rouse up and be our dad again.”
	'Nettles' concludes with a resigned speaker: “My son would often feel sharp wounds again”	Baillie, too, ends her poem with a sense of sadness: “Down on your bosom sinks your head –/You do not hear me, dad.”
	The poets present speakers who are determined to protect their loved one, despite the fact they have little control over inevitable changes in life

Differences:

Topic sentence	While Scannell’s poem is an expression of inevitability and futility, Baillie portrays hopeful innocence
Evidence and analysis	‘Nettles’	'A Child to his Sick Grandfather’
	Scannell portrays a tense, frustrated speaker: The poem is one compressed stanza, suggesting control The speaker is matter-of-fact A caesura creates tension: “It was no place for rest./With sobs and tears”	In contrast, Baillie’s child speaker brings a light-hearted quality to the poem: The rhyme scheme is rhythmic and energetic Half-rhyme reflects a childlike lack of sophistication, such as “cheeks” and “breaks”
	Scannell describes the furious actions of the speaker using dark imagery: The speaker builds a “funeral pyre to burn the fallen dead”	Baillie’s speaker tells the grandfather adventure stories to keep him alert: For example they refer to a “cunning greedy fox” and “glittering swords”
	Scannell’s poem examines a parent’s futile attempts to protect and care for their child: The speaker feels powerless against the “busy sun and rain”	Baillie’s poem is personal and resolute: A refrain repeatedly engages the grandfather, for example, “You love a story, dad?”
	Scannell’s extended metaphor is a sophisticated yet detached reflection on family love, while Baillie’s conversational poem is cheerful and unwavering

'Nettles' and 'The Manhunt'

Comparison in a nutshell:

Both Vernon Scannell’s poem and Simon Armitage’s poem explore painful emotions that come from love, and depict intimate moments in relationships. However, while Scannell describes a bittersweet parental relationship, Armitage describes a hopeful, romantic relationship.

Similarities:

Topic sentence	Both poems describe intimate moments in a loving relationship
Evidence and analysis	'Nettles'	'The Manhunt'
	'Nettles' describes a tender moment when a parent cares for their son’s injury	'The Manhunt', too, describes a partner caring for an injured loved one
	Scannell describes the intimate moment when the “boy came seeking comfort”: The speaker says “I saw/White blisters beaded on his tender skin” Here, Scannell emphasises the boy’s innocent fragility	Similarly, Armitage uses imagery to describe the speaker’s tender care: They “handle and hold/the damaged, porcelain collar-bone” Armitage stresses the brittle frailty of the man
	Scannell describes a devoted, loving relationship: The speaker says “We soothed him till his pain was not so raw” They are relieved when “At last he offered us a watery grin”	Armitage uses references to time to highlight the gradual process of care-giving: “After” and “Only then” work alongside repetitive couplets to reflect a slow pace
	The poets both present loving relationships that find intimacy through tender caregiving and close attention

Topic sentence	Both poets present painful emotions that come from a sense of powerlessness in loving relationships
Evidence and analysis	'Nettles’	'The Manhunt'
	Scannell uses metaphorical imagery related to the military to highlight the impact of external forces on a relationship: The speaker describes a “regiment of spite” and “tall recruits”	Armitage alludes to the damaging effects of war on a relationship: The soldier is an “unexploded mine”, implying he hides strong feelings
	'Nettles' conveys a parent’s powerlessness to protect their child: “My son would often feel sharp wounds again”	Similarly, 'The Manhunt' presents a speaker who is frustrated they cannot help more: The poem ends “Then, and only then, did I come close”
	The speaker in Scannell’s poem takes determined action to help their child: They “honed the blade” and “lit/A funeral pyre” Scannell emphasises the strong emotions behind the actions: “slashed in fury”	Armitage draws attention to connections between the physical and the emotional: He juxtaposes verbs like “mind and attend” against emotive language like “feel the hurt” to show the speaker’s attention and care
	Both poets describe physical and emotional reactions to strong family love

Differences:

Topic sentence	While Scannell shows the parent’s actions as futile to explore limitations in loving relationships, Armitage’s poem is an optimistic presentation of the power of tender care
Evidence and analysis	'Nettles'	'The Manhunt'
	Scannell portrays a tense speaker: The poem is one compressed stanza, suggesting tight control The speaker is matter-of-fact: “My son aged three fell in the nettle bed.” Caesura creates an abrupt tone: “It was no place for rest./With sobs and tears”	In contrast, Armitage’s poem is a sensual description of two lovers: The speaker’s tender touch is described throughout the poem Rhyming couplets create a gentle mood, such as in the lines “trace/the frozen river which ran through his face”
	Scannell describes the furious actions of the speaker using dark imagery and alliteration: The speaker builds a “funeral pyre to burn the fallen dead”	In contrast, Armitage uses alliteration to create a gentle mood: “the parachute silk of his punctured lung”
	Scannell’s poem suggests hopelessness and lack of control: An allegory is presented through extended metaphor to present a man’s powerlessness against nature	However, Armitage’s poem is a sentimental presentation of hope in a romantic relationship: The speaker finds an answer to their “search” (their “Manhunt”)
	While both poems draw attention to hostile forces in the world, Scannell’s poem presents a defeated speaker while Armitage portrays the power of loving relationships

Exam Tip

It is best to choose poems that clearly explore the theme in the poem. Be as specific as you can when considering similarities and differences, but make sure you are comparing ideas, not techniques.

For example, you could choose to compare the presentation of conflicted relationships in ‘Nettles’ and ‘One Flesh’. Or you might wish to explore the idea of family love in ‘Nettles’ and ‘A Child to his Sick Grandfather’. What is important is that you view the poems thematically, with a clear emphasis on relationships. This will give you a better framework in which to write your response in the exam.

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Nettles (Edexcel GCSE English Literature)

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Author: Sam Evans