My Last Duchess - Edexcel - teaching resource

My Last Duchess by Robert Browning – Edexcel GCSE Relationships Poetry Teaching Resource

This detailed two-lesson mini-unit explores Robert Browning’s My Last Duchess, featured in the Edexcel GCSE English Literature Poetry Anthology (Relationships cluster). Designed to enhance students’ analytical and comparative skills, this resource provides a comprehensive study of the poem’s language, imagery, structure, themes, and context, supporting students in exam preparation and comparative analysis.

The teaching pack includes a 55-slide fully editable PowerPoint presentation and five accompanying worksheets, with a wide range of structured and engaging activities suitable for all abilities.

Lesson One:

• Context: An introduction to Robert Browning, his life, and literary influences

• First Reading: Annotated reading of My Last Duchess with glossary, comprehension, and consolidation tasks (answers included)

• Language & Imagery: Analysing Browning’s use of vocabulary, symbolism, and metaphors, supported by model answers

• Essay Writing: A practice essay question to assess initial understanding, complete with a sample response

Lesson Two:

• Imagery & Techniques: Exploring Browning’s imagery and poetic techniques in detail

• Themes: Analysing ideas such as power, control, pride, jealousy, and the objectification of women

• Structure & Form: Examining Browning’s use of dramatic monologue, rhyme, rhythm, and enjambment

• Exam Focus: Comparing My Last Duchess with other anthology poems, with strategies and exemplar responses for writing effective comparative essays

Fully editable and easy to adapt, this resource is ideal for classroom teaching, homework, intervention, and revision, helping students prepare thoroughly for the Edexcel GCSE English Literature exam.

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