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Compare how poets present ideas about conflict in 'Bayonet Charge' and in one other poem from 'Power and conflict'. - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 2
Compare how poets present ideas about conflict in 'Bayonet Charge' and in one other poem from 'Power and conflict'.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Compare how poets present ideas about conflict in 'Bayonet Charge' and in one other poem from 'Power and conflict'. - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
AO1: Explore the connections between poems that deal with conflict
Answer
In 'Bayonet Charge' by Ted Hughes, conflict is presented through the visceral experience of a soldier during battle, capturing the chaos and confusion of war. The poem opens with vivid imagery, highlighting the soldier's physical and emotional turmoil as he charges into battle. Hughes uses harsh language to convey the brutality of conflict, reflecting the soldier's inner struggle against both the external enemy and his own fear.
In contrast, another poem from the 'Power and Conflict' cluster, such as 'War Photographer' by Carol Ann Duffy, presents conflict through the lens of a photographer who captures the harsh realities of war. Duffy's use of reflective language reveals the emotional burden carried by those who document conflict. While Hughes emphasizes the raw, immediate experience of battle, Duffy reflects on the aftermath of conflict and its impact on those who observe it.
Step 2
AO2: Analyze the methods used by the poets
Answer
Hughes employs a range of sensory details and enjambment in 'Bayonet Charge' to create a sense of urgency and disorientation, illustrating the soldier's chaotic experience. The structure of the poem mirrors the tumult of battle, while the imagery evokes the horrors of war.
Duffy, on the other hand, utilizes a more structured format in 'War Photographer', which contrasts with the chaotic nature of war. Her use of juxtaposition between the calm of the darkroom and the violence of the battlefield serves to highlight the disconnection between the two worlds. The stark imagery in Duffy's poem contrasts with the visceral experience in Hughes's work, providing a broader commentary on the personal impact of conflict.
Step 3
AO3: Examine how context influences the portrayal of conflict
Answer
The context surrounding each poem influences their portrayal of conflict significantly. Hughes wrote 'Bayonet Charge' in response to the First World War, capturing the immediacy of combat and its dehumanizing effects on soldiers. This historical context enhances the urgency and raw emotion of the poem.
Conversely, Duffy's 'War Photographer' reflects contemporary issues of media representation and the ethics of war photography. By addressing the photographer's role, Duffy comments on how conflict is observed and interpreted in the modern world, providing a critical perspective on the portrayal of war in media. This difference in context allows for varied interpretations and insights into the multifaceted nature of conflict.