Poetry - Nettles

Question 1

Context for Nettles

Answer 1

• Written 1980 by Formalist poet Vernon Scannell (1922-2007).
• He was a professional boxer, with 6 children (2 died).
• He served in WW2, got shot in the legs, and won awards before becoming very critical of war.

Question 2

Summary of Nettles

Answer 2

A recount of caring for and avenging the narrator’s son after he ‘fell in the nettle bed’ to no long-term avail.

Question 3

Theme Comparisons for Nettles

Answer 3

Family - Sick Grandfather

Question 4

Message of Nettles

Answer 4

Ageing of children

Question 5

Structure and form points for Nettles

Answer 5

• All one stanza - like a regiment.
• ABBA - speaker needs constancy and order.
• ‘and then… billhook’ - volta.
• enjambment after volta - loss of control.

Question 6

Language points for Nettles

Answer 6

• regiment, parade, recruits - military semantic field.
• blistered beaded - feels the pain as if it is his own.
• busy sun and rain - fighting nature.
• wounds again - surrenders, allegory for life.