AQA Power and Conflict poetry anthology study guides, revision resources and teaching ideas.
Poems in the AQA Power and Conflict Anthology:
- Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley
- London by William Blake
- Extract from The Prelude by William Wordsworth
- My Last Duchess by Robert Browning
- The Charge of the Light Brigade by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
- Exposure by Wilfred Owen
- Storm on the Island by Seamus Heaney
- Bayonet Charge by Ted Hughes
- Remains by Simon Armitage
- Poppies by Jane Weir
- War Photographer by Carol Ann Duffy
- Tissue by Imtiaz Dharker
- The Emigree by Carol Rumens
- Checking Out Me History by John Agard
- Kamikaze by Beatrice Garland
AQA Power and Conflict recap quiz
Test your knowledge of the poems in the anthology with this quick recap quiz.
You can download the AQA GCSE English Literature specification here.
AQA Power and Conflict Past Paper Questions
Summer 2023
Compare how poets present the effects of power in ‘My Last Duchess‘ and in one other poem from ‘Power and Conflict’.
June 2022
Compare how poets present ideas about conflict in ‘Bayonet Charge’ and in one other poem from ‘Power and Conflict’.
Autumn 2021
Compare how poets present ideas about power and control in ‘London’ and in one other poem from ‘Power and Conflict’.
Summer 2020
Compare how poets present the ways people are affected by difficult experiences in ‘Remains’ and in one other poem from ‘Power and Conflict’.
Summer 2019
Compare how poets present the way that people are affected by war in ‘War Photographer‘ and in one other poem from ‘Power and Conflict’.
Summer 2018
Compare how poets present ideas about power in ‘Ozymandias’ and in one other poem from ‘Power and Conflict’.
Themes in the Power and Conflict anthology
Power of nature
Nature is a prevalent theme in many of the poems, with poets exploring nature’s dominance over human endeavours and emotions. In “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley, the ruined statue in the desert signifies the relentless and inevitable decay that nature imposes on human achievements. Similarly, “Storm on the Island” by Seamus Heaney depicts nature’s overwhelming power through a fierce storm that challenges human resilience. “The Prelude” by William Wordsworth also highlights the sublime power of nature, where the speaker’s encounter with the grandeur of the natural world evokes awe and fear, reflecting nature’s dominance over mankind.
Political power and oppression
Several poems explore into the themes of political power and its oppressive impact on individuals and societies. In “London” by William Blake, the speaker condemns the corruption and misery inflicted by political institutions and societal structures. “My Last Duchess” by Robert Browning reveals the controlling and possessive nature of political power through the Duke’s tyrannical behaviour towards his late wife. “Checking Out Me History” by John Agard challenges the suppression of cultural identities and the power dynamics within colonial history, urging a re-evaluation of historical narratives.
Effects of war
The anthology extensively explores the devastating effects of war on individuals and societies. “Exposure” by Wilfred Owen portrays the harrowing experiences of soldiers facing the brutal realities of trench warfare. “Bayonet Charge” by Ted Hughes captures the chaotic and frantic emotions of a soldier in the midst of battle, highlighting the physical and psychological toll of conflict. “War Photographer” by Carol Ann Duffy examines the emotional impact on a photographer who captures the horrors of war, reflecting on the desensitisation and trauma experienced by those documenting conflict. “The Charge of the Light Brigade” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson commemorates the valour and bravery of soldiers during a disastrous military charge, emphasising the themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the futility of war.
Memory and loss
Memory and loss are central themes in several poems, often intertwined with the effects of conflict. In “Poppies” by Jane Weir, a mother reflects on the loss of her son to war, illustrating the personal grief and enduring impact of loss on loved ones. “Remains” by Simon Armitage addresses the haunting memories of a soldier who struggles with the psychological aftermath of war, revealing the lasting scars left by conflict. “The Emigree” by Carol Rumens explores the theme of memory through the perspective of a displaced person reminiscing about their homeland, highlighting the sense of loss and yearning for a place that has changed irrevocably.
Identity and displacement
The exploration of identity and displacement is prominent in poems that discuss the effects of political and social upheavals. “Tissue” by Imtiaz Dharker reflects on the fragility and transience of human constructs, questioning the solidity of power and identity. “The Emigree” by Carol Rumens addresses the theme of displacement through the speaker’s nostalgic and idealised memories of their homeland, juxtaposed with the reality of exile. “Kamikaze” by Beatrice Garland tells the story of a Japanese pilot during World War II who returns home, facing the social consequences of his choice and the resulting crisis of identity and belonging.
Check out all the ThinkLit study guides in the AQA Power and Conflict anthology:
