“Hyena” by Edwin Morgan

Our Learning Intentions for Today… Today we will… Explore how poets use can use language and structure to create viewpoints. Continue to develop our understanding of poetic techniques.

STARTER – what am I thinking? Your task: Write a short description of what you think this crocodile is thinking. SUCCESS CRITERIA My description is from the crocodile’s point of view. My description is written in the FIRST PERSON (I, MY, OUR) I use interesting adjectives to describe the things the crocodile is thinking about.

“Another day in the sun. Isn’t my skin looking dry today “Another day in the sun. Isn’t my skin looking dry today? A roll in that thick, dark mud ought to do me some good. Perhaps a spot of lunch at my usual watering hole might be nice. I wonder if it’s too late to book that comfortable table by the wide window… those stripy foals won’t see me coming”

Edwin Morgan: 1920 – 1930 Scots Makar (national poet)

Which animals do you find unpleasant…? Tarantula Crocodile

Which words do you associate with hyenas Which words do you associate with hyenas? Circle the words which are NEGATIVE.

“Hyena” by Edwin Morgan

Edwin Morgan reads “Hyena” http://www. poetryarchive

Read the poem aloud with your partner – take a stanza each and read with meaning. Think of the TONE of your voice – speak in character.

Is this in the first, second or third person Is this in the first, second or third person? Why do you think Morgan has chosen this? In which places is the poem set? How do we know this? Which questions does the hyena ask? Why does he ask them? Use quotes from the poem to write a description of what the hyena looks like. Write down TWO similes and TWO metaphors from the poem. Explain why each is interesting. How would you describe the mood of the poem? Justify your answer. Draw the hyena at the centre of your page. Mind-map the following ideas around the scavenger: setting; similes; metaphors; use of questions; mood etc. Use examples from the poem to fill your mind-map and explain why they are important. If you finish, swap jotters with your partner. Do you agree with their answers? Give them TWO STARS AND A WISH.

Now lets look at another poem by Morgan Now lets look at another poem by Morgan. As you listen, try to spot any similarities with “Hyena”.