1. Timothy Winters: Evaluation
Learning objectives:
To explore how poetic techniques are used in generating specific effects in poetry
To structure an extended, written, critical response to a poem

2. Task
Write a critical response to Charles Causley’s poem Timothy Winters, focusing on the poet’s use of a variety of poetic techniques to help create a fuller picture of Timothy’s life and circumstances

3. Section One - Introduction
This should contain
The name of the poem
The name of the poet
The topic of the poem
The details of the task you have been set.

4. Section Two Use of similes to describe Timothy’s appearance
Identify three of these from the opening two stanzas and show what things are being compared and how the comparisons help create a picture of Timothy

5. Section Three Use of metaphors to describe Timothy’s appearance
Identify three of these from the opening two stanzas and show what things are being compared and how the comparisons help create a picture of Timothy

6. Section Four
Read the third stanza and identify two separate techniques used which highlight Timothy’s struggles at school

7. Section Five
Read stanzas four and five and describe Timothy’s home life.
Identify five details from the poem of life at home which reveal the true extent of Timothy’s suffering at home
Read the sixth stanza and show how the simile used is effective in revealing why Timothy cannot easily be helped.

8. Section six Read the final two stanzas
Comment on the final message that the poem has about Timothy
Show how the use of repetition highlights this message in these two stanzas

9. Section seven
Comment now on the use of rhyming couplets throughout the poem.
How do they allow the reader to identify with Timothy’s situation

10. Section 8 - Conclusion
Give your overall impression of how the poet has shown us a picture of Timothy’s life
How has the poet made you feel about Timothy himself?
What do you think of the poet’s use of techniques throughout the poem?
Restate an example of a technique used in a way which you found most effective.