Stealing – Carol Ann Duffy

Stealing – Carol Ann Duffy Starter If you had to steal something what would be the most unusual or useless thing you could steal?

Stealing – Carol Ann Duffy Starter If you had to steal something what would be the most unusual or useless thing you could steal? A Snowman? Why steal a Snowman? This is the question The poem tries to answer.

Stealing – Carol Ann Duffy Learning Objectives As we study this poem you will learn: • The story and hidden meaning of the poem • About the terms, Form & Structure, Alliteration, Imagery & SensoryImagery. • You will also complete some mini tasks and a quiz on the poem. The poem will also be set as a question in the final exam.

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – Carol Ann Duffy

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – The Story of the Poem Mini Task 1 Write down what you think is the story of the poem.

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – The Story of the Poem Mini Task 1 Write down what you think is the story of the poem. The speaker of the poem appears to be talking to someone (a policeman? a counsellor? a teacher?) about the various crimes he has committed. As the speaker talks about the strangest thing he ever stole - a snowman - we begin to sense that this is an lonely, sociopathic person with little empathy and few morals. We are also made aware of the fact that the speaker feels detached from society and knows that no-body really understands, not only what s/he says, but his situation, motives or life.

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – The Story of the Poem Mini Task 2 What is unusual about the character who is telling this story?

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – The Story of the Poem Mini Task 2 What is unusual about the character who is telling this story? First I think the character is a boy aged between 14-18. Girls do not tend to manifest this sort of deviant behaviour, at least not on their own. Even boys driven to vandalism tend to act in gangs so the fact this boy is out and about at midnight in the middle of winter is unusual and quite disturbing.

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – The Story of the Poem Mini Task 3. What does the poem tell you about this boy’s family life and background?

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – The Story of the Poem Mini Task 3 What does the poem tell you about this boy’s family life and background? His family life must be lonely and unloved or else why is out so late on a winters night and able to spend at least an hour re-building the snowman and the destroying it without anyone noticing.

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – The Story of the Poem Mini Task 4 What do most of the objects he says he has stolen have in common? Like the snowman they are all pretty useless and only the Bust of Shakespeare seems to have brought him some financial reward. Even the cars he steals take him nowhere and bring him no ‘joy’.

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – The Story of the Poem Mini Task 5 So if not for money, why does he steal things?

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – The Story of the Poem Mini Task 5 So if not for money, why does he steal things? He would seem to steal things to get a perverse sort of ‘thrill’ out of the pain, suffering and upset he causes his victims. The thought that the children who built the snowman would be upset when they see it is gone in the morning, seems to give him pleasure. Likewise he’s a ‘mucky ghost’ so he will wreck a home he has broken into without probably stealing anything.

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – The Story of the Poem Mini Task 6 What motivates him then?

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – The Story of the Poem Mini Task 6 What motivates him then? Revenge or punishment on those who have things, especially a happy family life that he does not have.

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – Form & Structure Mini Task 7 How is the poem structured? Stanzas Line length Rhyme Alliteration Rhythm

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – Form & Structure Mini Task 7 How is the poem structured? Stanzas 5 stanzas of 5 lines Line length 10-14 syllables. Most lines have 12 syllables Rhyme None, but there are some chimes. Alliteration Lots, so many it is a Key Feature Rhythm Because of the even line length and alliteration the poem has a strong rhythm.

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – Form & Structure Mini Task 8 Form means the type of poem you are reading, so what type of poem is Stealing?

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – Form & Structure Mini Task 8 What sort of poem is it? It is a single person talking so the form of the poem is a monologue.

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing The poem in Detail

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – In Detail – Stanza 1 Mini Task 9 On your copy of the poem underline/highlight the Alliteration in Stanza 1.

The most unusual thing I everstole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – In Detail – Stanza 1 Mini Task 9 On your copy of the poem underline/highlight the Alliteration in Stanza 1.

Mini Task 9 On your copy of the poem underline/highlight the Alliteration in Stanza 1.

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – In Detail – Stanza 1 Mini Task 10 What other poetic devices do you notice in Stanza 1?

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – In Detail – Stanza 1 Mini Task 10 What other poetic devices do you notice in Stanza 1? Imagery & Internal Rhyme Mini Task 11 List 3 images created in Stanza 1

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – In Detail – Stanza 1 Mini Task 11 List 3 images created in Stanza 1 The tall, white, magnificent snowman. Midnight Winter Moon Brain The snowman’s head Mini Task 12 What is the internal rhyme in Stanza 1?

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – In Detail – Stanza 1 Mini Task 12 What is the internal rhyme in Stanza 1? Slice of ice

Stealing – In Detail – Stanza 2 Mini Task 12 On your copy of the poem underline/highlight the Alliteration in Stanza 2.

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – In Detail – Stanza 2 Mini Task 13 On your copy of the poem underline/highlight the internal rhyme in Stanza 2.

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fiercechill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – In Detail – Stanza 2 Mini Task 13 On your copy of the poem underline/highlight the internal rhyme in Stanza 2.

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – In Detail – Stanza 2 Mini Task 14 On your copy of the poem underline/highlight the two central images in Stanza 2.

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – In Detail – Stanza 2 Mini Task 15 What does this line mean?

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – In Detail – Stanza 2 Mini Task 15 What does this line mean? This line helps to convey the idea that the thief is a person with no feelings and no conscience. He is detached from society and the rules that govern it, refusing to give in to it rules and so he only thinks about himself and what he wants or needs.

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – In Detail – Stanza 2 Mini Task 16 What does this line mean? Building a snowman is a family activity. They are built with love and joy, emotions that would seem to be lacing from this boy’s life. He therefore gets a perverse pleasure from the thought of the upset he will cause the children who built the snowman when the see the snowman gone in the morning.

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – In Detail – Stanza 2 Mini Task 17 What does this line mean? Life is tough for him so it ought to be tough for everyone.

Stealing – In Detail – Stanza 3 Mini Task 18 On your copy of the poem underline/highlight the Alliteration in Stanza 3.

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – In Detail – Stanza 3 Mini Task 19 List the images in Stanza 3.

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – In Detail – Stanza 3 • Mini Task 19 • List the images in Stanza 3. • Stolen cars • Burgled houses • The mess after a break-in • A camera • The gloved hand • Doorknob • Bedroom • Mirrors • The sigh – which is sound or • sensory imagery

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – In Detail – Stanza 3 • Mini Task 20 • What does ‘I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob’ tell us about this character?

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – In Detail – Stanza 3 • Mini Task 20 • What does ‘I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob’ tell us about this character? • It is another example of his detachment. He seems to stand outside himself observing what he is doing almost as if it is another person committing the crime.

The most unusual thing I ever stole? A snowman. • Midnight. He looked magnificent; a tall, white mute • beneath the winter moon. I wanted him, a mate • with a mind as cold as the slice of ice • within my own brain. I started with the head. • Better off dead than giving in, not taking • what you want. He weighed a ton; his torso, • frozen stiff, hugged to my chest, a fierce chill • piercing my gut. Part of the thrill was knowing • that children would cry in the morning. Life's tough. • Sometimes I steal things I don't need. I joy-ride cars • to nowhere, break into houses just to have a look. • I'm a mucky ghost, leave a mess, maybe pinch a camera. • I watch my gloved hand twisting the doorknob. • A stranger's bedroom. Mirrors. I sigh like this - Aah. • It took some time. Reassembled in the yard, • he didn't look the same. I took a run • and booted him. Again. Again. My breath ripped out • in rags. It seems daft now. Then I was standing • alone amongst lumps of snow, sick of the world. • Boredom. Mostly I'm so bored I could eat myself. • One time, I stole a guitar and thought I might • learn to play. I nicked a bust of Shakespeare once, • flogged it, but the snowman was the strangest. • You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Stealing – In Detail – Stanza 4 • Mini Task 21 • On your copy of the poem underline/highlight the Alliteration in Stanza 4

Stealing – In Detail – Stanza 4 • Mini Task 21 • On your copy of the poem underline/highlight the Alliteration in Stanza 4

Stealing – Carol Ann Duffy