Revision What is a metaphor? What is an image? What is repetition? What is the rhyming pattern/scheme? What is a theme?

Answers A metaphor is a comparison between two things without using like, as or than. An image is a picture made from words. Repetition is when the same word is used more than once to create a rhythm. The rhyming pattern/scheme is the way the poem rhymes. The theme of the poem is the message of the poem.

Nettles My son aged three fell in the nettle bed. ‘Bed’ seemed a curious name for those green spears, That regiment of spite behind the shed: It was no place for rest. With sobs and tears The boy came seeking comfort and I saw 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, And then I took my hook and honed the blade And went outside and slashed in fury with it Till not a nettle in that fierce parade Stood upright any more. Next task: I lit A funeral pyre to burn the fallen dead. But in two weeks the busy sun and rain Had called up tall recruits behind the shed: My son would often feel sharp wounds again.   VERNON SCANNELL

An extended metaphor The poem is literally about nettles The nettles, however, really mean something else. What do you think they mean? Write this sentence in your book. The poem is about nettles growing behind a shed. However, I think the nettles are used as a metaphor for .....................................................

Nettles What is the rhyming pattern in this poem? Identify three images from this poem and say what effect they have on you. Identify one example of repetition in this poem and say what atmosphere it creates.

Nettles Identify three images from this poem and say what effect they have on you. The first image that stands out for me in in this poem is__________________. It made me feel _________________.

Nettles Identify one example of repetition in this poem and say what atmosphere it creates. Repetition can be seen in the ___________ and _____________ lines when the poet writes “_________________________”. The repeated use of the word “______________” creates a sense of _________________.

Nettles How many metaphors can you find in this poem? What do the metaphors have in common? What effect does this create?

Nettles What is the theme of ‘Nettles’?

Theme The theme of ‘Nettles’ is the relationship between a father and his son. We see this in the opening of the poem when he writes: “_____________________________”. The father is __________ about his son. We see this when he writes: “____________”.

Personal response Write a paragraph (five/six sentences) about a person who looks out for you. Describe any of the ‘nettles’ you face. Describe any time they have helped you.

Nettles

What feelings or images are usually associated with nettles? Write down as many associations you can think of in your book.

Plants and associations Can you think of any other plants with which we associate meaning? There are probably more than you think. Make a list of them in your book.

Plant/flower Associations Phrases using name One stage further apple affection; temptation; computer apple of my eye; apple for the teacher chocolate bluebell cactus daffodil lemon poppy simplicity; commemoration; blood Poppy Day rose

Your turn! Choose a plant with which you have an association – a cactus or a rose for example. You need to personify that plant and write a few paragraphs about its life. Are you a prickly cactus? Are you a calm, beautiful lily? A sneaky venus fly-trap? Personify: To give something human characteristics