context for the poetry

Question 1

A wife in London

Answer 1

Written in the Victorian period in 1899, shortly after the outbreak of the Boer War (more than 120,000 British and Imperial casualties, including 22,000 dead lasting from 1899–1902) by Thomas Hardy. The poem focuses on the impact of war on those at home, exploring the far reaching impact of war on ordinary individuals who are powerless to those in control.

Question 2

Death of a naturalist

Answer 2

‘Death of a Naturalist’ is a poem written by Irish poet Seamus Heaney (1966). It talks about a young boy’s fascination with frogspawn and how he learns of the hasher realities of nature. Heaney’s poem examines the loss of childhood innocence and wonder.

Question 3

Hawks roosting

Answer 3

Hawk Roosting’ was written by the British poet Ted Hughes (1960 collection ‘Lupercal’) It’s a dramatic monologue from the viewpoint of a hawk showing it cool/ calculating nature and its indifference to the passing of time. It explores primal instincts and the natural order.

Question 4

Excerpt from the prelude

Answer 4

‘Excerpt from The Prelude’ is a poem by Romantic poet William Wordsworth and is taken from his autobiographical epic poem. (an epic is just a longer poem). He worked on the prelude all through his life and it was published after he died in 1850. This section captures childlike joy, freedom/ independence and connection between humans and nature.

Question 5

Mametz Wood

Answer 5

Mametz Wood’ is a poem by Welsh poet Owen Sheers (2005 collection Skirrid Hill) about the Battle of Mametz Wood, a significant event during World War One, where nearly 4000 soldiers from the Welsh Division lost their lives. Sheers explores the tension between nature’s ability to heal and the enduring scars left by human conflict.

Question 6

The Manhunt

Answer 6

Written by the contemporary British poet Simon Armitage and was published in 2003. It explores the emotional aftermath of war and its impact on personal relationships, particularly focusing on a partner or wife’s perspective as she tries to reconnect with her husband who has returned from conflict. The poem suggests that the effects of war extend far beyond the battlefield, deeply affecting those who must “hunt” for the person they once knew in the changed individual who has returned.