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Slide Contents Author Context Themes What is it About? Structure Language Examination Preparation Links

The Author

Grace Nichols Grace Nichols was born in Guyana in a small village by the sea. In 1977 at the age of twenty seven she came to live in Britain. She describes herself as belonging to two cultures. Born and brought up in the Caribbean yet living and working most of her adult life in England she has absorbed both ways of life. The poem explores the poet's own history of moving between the cultures of the Caribbean and England.

Context

The Great Storm of 1987 In 1987 England was hit by what was known as The Great Storm. Hurricanes are extremely rare in England, and the damage caused to the landscape, particularly the trees, was devastating. In the Caribbean hurricanes are a regular occurrence and Grace Nichols experienced them during her childhood. Talking about the 1987 hurricane, Grace Nichols said: “It seemed as though the voices of the old gods were in the wind, within the Sussex wind. And, for the first time, I felt close to the English landscape in a way that I hadn't earlier. It was as if the Caribbean had come to England.” Strom damage in England 1987 3 hurricanes hitting the Caribbean

The Great Storm of 1987 Click the following link to see footage from The Great Storm: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Umow5DSrP6E Strom damage in England 1987 3 hurricanes hitting the Caribbean

Themes

Who do you think you are? Identity is about the things that make us who we are. You may be male or female, young or old, black or white, rich or poor – these are all features which make up your identity. It is about where you come from, the language you speak, your religion, your family and your personal history. Identity is what we think of ourselves. In this poem the author is living inEngland but does not feel at home. The hurricane reminds her of her Caribbean home and her African roots. She regains a sense of identity by making connections between England and the Caribbean. She realises that all places on the earth are connected and no longer feels apart from her homeland.

Two Cultures A number of the poets in the Poems from Different Cultures section of the anthology talk about the experience of having two different cultures in their lives. Having a mixture of backgrounds can make people feel caught between different cultures. At the beginning of the poem the narrator doesn’t feel connected to English culture, she misses the Caribbean way of life. However, following the storm she feels different and recognises that all places and cultures on earth are connected to each other.

What is it About?

Imagine (or you may have experience) leaving the country you were born in to live in another country. How might you feel? Identity and Two Cultures

What feelings might you have? What would you miss the most? Would you have positive or negative feelings, or both? Discuss your findings with a partner. Identity and Two Cultures

There are three main parts to the poem. Do you know what they are? The first one has been done for you What Happens?

Structure

Structure In my opinion line 27, ‘O why is my heart unchained’ suggests…. Before this line the woman feels … but after line 27 she becomes… How is the poem structured? The hurricane is a turning point for the woman in the poem and her feelings change in line 27. What does line 27 suggest and how does the woman feel before and after this pivotal point of the poem?

Language

Some of the words used in the poem may be unfamiliar to you. Can you match up the correct definition of each of the following words from the poem? Vocabulary

Natural Imagery Look at the use of natural imagery used in the poem. Why does the poet use these particular images?

Language Features Myths The poet talks of African gods in a dramatic way Natural A number of natural images are used to Imagery convey the power of the storm and the damage caused to the environment Philosophical The hurricane causes the poet to think about Language her identity and culture. The poem uses three types of language.

Poetic Techniques TechniqueDefinition Metaphorthe act or process of saying or writing something again Repetition A figure of speech not meant literally Personificationa comparison between two different things, especially a phrase containing the word 'like' or 'as Simile the attribution of human qualities to objects Match the technique with the correct definition.

Poetic Techniques Think about the poetic techniques discussed on the last slide. Copy down the chart below. Find examples in the poem and write down the effect created.

Feelings and Attitudes • At first she is afraid of the storm. • She questions the Gods angrily about coming to England. • She discovers meaning in the storm and connects her new home in England with that of the Caribbean. • She feels thankful that the storm has helped her.

ExaminationPreparation

The Examination Paper • You will have 45 minutes to answer the question. • You will be asked to compare two poems. • You should begin by annotating the question for the key words. This will help you to understand what you are being asked to do. E.g. Compare ‘Hurricane Hits England’ with one other poem, to show how the poets reveal ideas and feelings about their identity.

Planning • Spend between 5 and 10 minutes making a plan. This will help you to order your essay logically. • Make a note of any key ideas you are going to include. • Leave at least 5 minutes at the end to read through your work and check for any basic errors.

Structure A good answer should: • Write in paragraphs. • Don’t forget to P.E.E! Using a range of quotes that are properly embedded within your answer. • Begin with an introduction and end with a conclusion. The main body of the essay should follow these five steps to make a good answer: • Write a bit about the theme • Compare the structures of each poem • Compare the use of language in each poem • Compare the feelings of the poets • Write about how the poems make you feel.

Similarity Connectives Equally In the same way Similarly Likewise Just as…also Contrast Connectives In contrast However Whereas (best used in the middle of a sentence) On the other hand Making Connections Use a series of comparisons, using connectives to link ideas, both within paragraphs and between paragraphs. Refer back to the question repeating the key words from it.

Analysis Use the following words to link your Point -> Evidence -> Explain sentences. The use of these words will also help to ensure that your response is analytical. suggests implies gives the impression that shows highlights indicates To make the same point using a different example, try one of these: furthers emphasises reinforces

Recap • When you are comparing poems you will be asked to look for the similarities and the differences. • You should comment on the language they use. What poetic devices are present? Imagery, similes, metaphors, alliteration, onomatopoeia, personification, rhyme etc. What effect do they have on the reader? • You will need to comment on the structure of the poems. How are they set out? Does this add to their overall effect/meaning? • Consider the tone of the poems. What mood has the author created?

Links

Useful Links Hurricane Hits England reading with imagery: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english/poemscult/hurricanerev2.shtml Film about the Great Storm of 1987: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Umow5DSrP6E BBC Bitesize Poems From Other Cultures: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english/poemscult/hurricanerev1.shtml

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