Pearson Edexcel Conflict Anthology
Pearson Edexcel Conflict poetry anthology study guides, revision resources and teaching ideas.
Poems in the Pearson Edexcel Conflict Anthology:
- A Poison Tree by William Blake
- The Destruction of Sennacherib by Lord Byron
- Extract from The Prelude ‘Boating’ by William Wordsworth
- The Man He Killed by Thomas Hardy
- Cousin Kate by Christina Rossetti
- Exposure by Wilfred Owen
- The Charge of the Light Brigade by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
- Half-caste by John Agard
- Catrin by Gillian Clarke
- War Photographer by Carole Satyamurti
- Belfast Confetti by Ciaran Carson
- The Class Game by Mary Casey
- Poppies by Jane Weir
- No Problem by Benjamin Zephaniah
- What Were They Like? by Denise Levertov
You can check out and download the Pearson Edexcel GCSE English Literature specification here.
Themes in the Pearson Edexcel Conflict anthology:
War and conflict
War and conflict are central themes in many of the poems in this anthology, examining the brutality and futility of war. “Exposure” by Wilfred Owen highlights the harsh realities and suffering of soldiers in the trenches during World War I, focusing on the relentless assault of nature as an enemy. “The Charge of the Light Brigade” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson celebrates the bravery of soldiers while also critiquing the blind obedience and disastrous command decisions that led to unnecessary loss of life. In “War Photographer” by Carole Satyamurti, the psychological impact of war is explored through the eyes of a photographer who grapples with the horrors he has witnessed and the detachment of those who view his work from the comfort of their homes. “The Destruction of Sennacherib” by Lord Byron depicts the sudden downfall of a mighty army, highlighting the temporary nature of power and the ultimate futility of human arrogance against divine will. “What Were They Like?” by Denise Levertov reflects on the cultural devastation caused by the Vietnam War, questioning the erasure of identity and history through conflict.
Power and authority
The theme of power and authority is explored through the dynamics of control and rebellion. “A Poison Tree” by William Blake describes the destructive nature of suppressed anger and the consequences of letting resentment fester, symbolising the corrupting power of unaddressed emotions. “Cousin Kate” by Christina Rossetti explores social power structures and gender inequality, showcasing how a young woman is manipulated and betrayed by those in positions of power. “The Class Game” by Mary Casey addresses class conflict, highlighting how societal hierarchies and stereotypes perpetuate discrimination and social division.
Identity and discrimination
Issues of identity and discrimination are featured “Half-caste” by John Agard. The poem challenges societal perceptions and prejudices towards mixed-race individuals, using powerful imagery and language to confront and dismantle stereotypes. “No Problem” by Benjamin Zephaniah addresses racial discrimination and the struggle for self-identity, drawing from the poet’s own experiences to highlight the systemic nature of racism and its impact on personal and social identity.
Memory and remembrance
Memory and remembrance play crucial roles in understanding past conflicts and their lasting impacts. “Poppies” by Jane Weir reflects on the personal grief and loss experienced by a mother whose son has gone to war, symbolising the broader theme of national remembrance and the personal sacrifices made during conflict. “The Prelude ‘Boating’” by William Wordsworth, although primarily about a personal, youthful experience, touches on the theme of memory by recounting a profound and unsettling encounter with nature that shapes the speaker’s understanding of the world.
Nature and conflict
Nature as a force in conflict is explored in poems such as “Extract from The Prelude ‘Boating’” by William Wordsworth, where the natural world becomes an almost antagonistic presence, reflecting the inner turmoil of the speaker. In “Exposure” by Wilfred Owen, nature is portrayed as an enemy, with harsh weather conditions exacerbating the suffering of soldiers and illustrating the indifferent cruelty of the natural world.
Psychological conflict
The internal struggles and psychological conflicts experienced by individuals are depicted in several poems. “Catrin” by Gillian Clarke explores the complex and often conflicting emotions between a mother and daughter, revealing the tensions and deep bonds of familial relationships. “War Photographer” by Carole Satyamurti explores the mental anguish of someone who documents human suffering, capturing the emotional toll of bearing witness to atrocity. “The Man He Killed” by Thomas Hardy addresses the inner conflict of a soldier who contemplates the arbitrary nature of his enemy, revealing the shared humanity that lies beneath the roles imposed by war.
Urban conflict
“Belfast Confetti” by Ciaran Carson addresses the chaos and confusion of urban conflict, specifically the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The poem captures the immediate aftermath of a bomb explosion, using fragmented imagery and disjointed structure to convey the disorientation and violence experienced by civilians.
Past Paper Questions for Pearson Edexcel Conflict:
June 2022
Re-read No Problem. Choose one other poem from the Conflict anthology. Compare how a problem is presented in the two poems. In your answer, you should consider the:
- poets’ use of language, form and structure
- influence of the contexts in which the poems were written.
November 2021
Re-read Exposure. Choose one other poem from the Conflict anthology. Compare how war is presented in the two poems. In your answer, you should consider the:
- poets’ use of language, form and structure
- influence of the contexts in which the poems were written.
November 2020
Re-read Poppies. Choose one other poem from the Conflict anthology. Compare how conflict affects people in the two poems. In your answer, you should consider the:
- poets’ use of language, form and structure
- influence of the contexts in which the poems were written.
June 2019
Re-read War Photographer. Choose one other poem from the Conflict anthology. Compare how powerful images are presented in the two poems. In your answer, you should consider the:
- poets’ use of language, form and structure
- influence of the contexts in which the poems were written.
June 2018
Re-read A Poison Tree. Choose one other poem from the Conflict anthology. Compare how anger is presented in the two poems. In your answer, you should consider the:
- poets’ use of language, form and structure
- influence of the contexts in which the poems were written.
June 2017
Re-read Belfast Confetti. Choose one other poem from the Conflict anthology. Compare how the experience of conflict is presented in the two poems. In your answer, you should consider the:
- poets’ use of language, form and structure
- influence of the contexts in which the poems were written.
