‘One Cigarette’ By Edwin Morgan

Learning Intentions Compare and contrast another Morgan love poetry and look for connections Understand how you can use this poem to increase your critical essay skills Develop your textual analysis skills by analysing an unseen poem

One Cigarette :// akI

Exploding a Poem In your groups, discuss the following questions to get to the heart of the text: 1.What is the poem about? 2.Who is speaking in the poem? To whom? 3.How does the poem convey its message? 4.Why do you think the poet has written the poem? 5.What is your personal response to the poem?

Connections to ‘Strawberries’ Identify as many connections and similarities between ‘One Cigarette’ and ‘Strawberries’. Focus on the object, which is given more meaning in this poem (i.e. the cigarette) and explain why this has been chosen. What connotations does this have?

Connections to ‘Strawberries’

Channels a memory through an unusual object. Deals with the memory of a lost love affair triggered by the sight and smell of a cigarette burning in an ashtray. The object symbolises the stage in the relationship. Fragility of the relationship – and the memory – is explored. Use of the present tense to show power of memory. Imagery of touch is used to convey ultimate trust in the lovers. Ends on a bittersweet note of regret. The idea of love that is new and passionate, then literally, burns itself out.

Cigarette

How can these connections help in your critical essay? It is highly appropriate to cross reference when answering a poetry question. This allows you to open up the question somewhat and demonstrate your knowledge of the writer and his other works. However, only refer to other works to highlight and illustrate a point which helps you to answer the question.

How can these connections help in your critical essay? For example, it would be highly relevant to mention the poem ‘One Cigarette’ in an essay that explores the theme of love or mood/atmosphere and uses sensory devices to do so. But – BE CAREFUL – as the question will clearly ask you to focus on one poem. You nay refer to other works only to emphasise a point being made about your primary text.

Over to you… In your groups, annotate your poem and build up your analysis skills. Remember the connections to ‘Strawberries’ as this will help you. I will give you some additional notes on the poem as well.

Things to look for… Symbolism of the cigarette Use of the senses Extended metaphor of the “fire” Idea of smoke signals Word choice Use of questions Imagery Theme of love and passion