1. Island Man
By Grace Nichols

2. Poetry from other cultures
Learning Outcome
By the end of the lesson I will be able to :
comment on how poets use language to create images in the mind of the reader.
Annotate a poem.
Key words
annotate
Image/imagery
Culture
Contrast/compare
Island Man.docx

3. In pairs discuss the following questions and note your comments in your book.
What do you think life on a Caribbean island would be like?
How do you think this would be different from your way of life?

4. Make a list of things from the poem that are from the island and things that are from London.

5. Evoking Place
Learning outcome Use my experience or imagination to describe a place, its people and its culture. Key words Evoke Setting Culture

6. Using ‘Island Man’ as an influence, write a letter to a friend from either:
A tropical island.
A bustling city centre.
Remember to use language carefully to describe the place and the people.
Describe the culture and traditions of the people who live there.
Extension
Contrast and compare the culture and traditions with your own in England.

7. Analysing Poetry
Learning Outcome Use PEE to analyse a poem. Key words Analyse Point Evidence Explain

8. POINT: The poet uses language to make the island seem bright and colourful.
EVIDENCE: For example he describes the ‘blue surf’ and the ‘emerald island’.
EXPLAIN: This creates an image in the mind of the reader of a beautiful, vivid and sunny place.

9. POINT: The poet uses language to make London seem dull and dreary.
EVIDENCE:
EXPLAIN:

10. Writing your Essay
How does the ‘Island Man’ feel about life in the Caribbean and life In London?

11. Writing your Introduction
Briefly explain what the poem is about
Add any relevant cultural context Level 6/7)
Example:
‘The Island Man’ is a poem written by Grace Nichols and is about a man who is from the Caribbean. However he is now living in London; he is extremely homesick and misses his island. In his dreams he is taken back to his former life where the poem contrasts the Caribbean with London. The way of life is very different in each culture and London is represented as very negative, whereas the Caribbean is shown to be positive and vibrant.

12. When writing your essay make a Point about the following and find Evidence in the poem
Imagery – what does the poet help you see?
Sound/Sibilance – what does the poet help you to hear?
Personification
Language
Form – what effect does the shape of the poem have?
Conclusion – sum up, in your opinion, the attitudes and feelings that the Island Man has towards the Caribbean and London
Remember - to Explain your points in detail and compare and contrast the Caribbean and London each time