These notes cover key poems from the AQS GCSE English... Show more
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29 Dec 2025
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Power and Conflict Poetry Key Quotes Flashcards
E
Ella Glass
@ellaglass_xnbh
1 / 10
London by William Blake
Ever walked through a city and felt overwhelmed by all the problems around you? Blake's "London" captures exactly that feeling as he wanders through the capital, witnessing suffering everywhere.
Blake uses the poem to criticize how powerful institutions fail ordinary people. The phrase 'every black'ning church' suggests the church has become corrupt and tarnished by ignoring those in need. This connects to Blake's personal beliefs - he respected Christianity but despised organized religion.
The most powerful image is 'mind-forged manacles' - meaning people are trapped not just physically, but mentally too. Blake argues that our thoughts and beliefs, imposed by external authorities like the government and church, become our own mental prisons.
Quick Comparison Tip: This poem pairs brilliantly with "Ozymandias" and "My Last Duchess" when discussing the abuse of power theme.
Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley
Imagine finding the ruins of what was once the world's most powerful statue, now just broken pieces in the desert. That's exactly what Shelley presents in "Ozymandias" - a poem about how even the mightiest rulers eventually crumble.
Shelley, a Romantic poet who gained fame after his death, delivers a clear message: power is temporary. The 'shattered visage' creates dramatic irony - this once-mighty king can't even control time's effects on his own monument. The 'sneer of cold command' reveals the ruler's arrogant, emotionless expression, perfectly captured by a sculptor who understood his subject's pride.
The phrase 'King of Kings' references the Bible, suggesting Ozymandias believed himself godlike. The 'boundless and bare' desert landscape emphasizes how nature ultimately wins. Even art, which often outlasts human power, cannot truly immortalize political authority.
Quick Comparison Tip: Perfect for comparing with "London," "The Prelude," and "Exposure" when exploring themes of pride and the power of nature.
Checking Out Me History by John Agard
What if everything you learned at school completely ignored your cultural background? Agard's powerful poem tackles this frustration head-on, as he reclaims his Caribbean heritage after being educated solely in British history.
Born in Guyana before moving to Britain, Agard uses phonetic spelling to create Creole dialect throughout the poem. 'Dem tell me' appears repeatedly, emphasizing how the British education system separated him from his roots. This linguistic choice becomes an act of cultural pride and resistance.
The 'bandage up me eye... blind me' metaphor is brilliantly ironic. Bandages should heal, but here they deliberately blind him to his own heritage. The poem's final line - 'I carving out me identity' - stands alone as a short, powerful statement of self-determination.
Memory Trick: Notice how Agard literally writes in two different styles - standard English for British history, Creole for Caribbean culture - showing the divide in his education.
Bayonet Charge by Ted Hughes
Picture waking up mid-sprint in a battlefield, bullets flying past your head. Hughes throws us straight into this terrifying moment, exploring how the brutal reality of war destroys any romantic notions about conflict.
Though Hughes imagined this experience (his father served in WWI), the poem feels incredibly authentic. Starting 'Suddenly he awoke and was running' creates an in medias res effect - we're instantly in the soldier's confused, vulnerable state as he charges forward.
The onomatopoeia in 'bullets smacking the belly out the air' creates visceral, violent imagery. Notice how the air becomes personified, as if it too is being wounded. Most powerfully, concepts like 'honour' are 'dropped like luxuries' - the soldier abandons these idealistic reasons for war when facing death.
War Poetry Connection: Compare this raw, realistic portrayal with "Charge of the Light Brigade" and "Kamikaze" to explore how different poets present the reality of conflict.
The Prelude by William Wordsworth
Ever had a moment in nature that completely changed how you see the world? Wordsworth's "Prelude" captures exactly this - a seemingly innocent boat trip that becomes a profound encounter with nature's overwhelming power.
As a Romantic poet, Wordsworth wrote in iambic pentameter without a strict rhyme scheme, letting the natural rhythm mirror his experience. The 'troubled pleasure' oxymoron immediately reveals his guilt - he's stolen this boat, and mankind's selfishness becomes a key theme.
The boat is described as 'She was an elfin pinnace' through personification, making it seem almost magical and boosting his confidence. But everything changes when the mountain appears to grow larger. The repeated 'I struck and struck again' uses sibilant sounds to create sinister tension as nature reveals its true, intimidating power.
Nature's Lesson: This poem works brilliantly alongside "Storm on the Island" and "Exposure" when exploring how the power of nature humbles human pride.
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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Power and Conflict Poetry Key Quotes Flashcards
E
Ella Glass
@ellaglass_xnbh
These notes cover key poems from the AQS GCSE English Literature Power and Conflict cluster. Each poem explores themes like power, nature, identity, and conflict through different historical and cultural lenses.
London by William Blake
Ever walked through a city and felt overwhelmed by all the problems around you? Blake's "London" captures exactly that feeling as he wanders through the capital, witnessing suffering everywhere.
Blake uses the poem to criticize how powerful institutions fail ordinary people. The phrase 'every black'ning church' suggests the church has become corrupt and tarnished by ignoring those in need. This connects to Blake's personal beliefs - he respected Christianity but despised organized religion.
The most powerful image is 'mind-forged manacles' - meaning people are trapped not just physically, but mentally too. Blake argues that our thoughts and beliefs, imposed by external authorities like the government and church, become our own mental prisons.
Quick Comparison Tip: This poem pairs brilliantly with "Ozymandias" and "My Last Duchess" when discussing the abuse of power theme.
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Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley
Imagine finding the ruins of what was once the world's most powerful statue, now just broken pieces in the desert. That's exactly what Shelley presents in "Ozymandias" - a poem about how even the mightiest rulers eventually crumble.
Shelley, a Romantic poet who gained fame after his death, delivers a clear message: power is temporary. The 'shattered visage' creates dramatic irony - this once-mighty king can't even control time's effects on his own monument. The 'sneer of cold command' reveals the ruler's arrogant, emotionless expression, perfectly captured by a sculptor who understood his subject's pride.
The phrase 'King of Kings' references the Bible, suggesting Ozymandias believed himself godlike. The 'boundless and bare' desert landscape emphasizes how nature ultimately wins. Even art, which often outlasts human power, cannot truly immortalize political authority.
Quick Comparison Tip: Perfect for comparing with "London," "The Prelude," and "Exposure" when exploring themes of pride and the power of nature.
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Checking Out Me History by John Agard
What if everything you learned at school completely ignored your cultural background? Agard's powerful poem tackles this frustration head-on, as he reclaims his Caribbean heritage after being educated solely in British history.
Born in Guyana before moving to Britain, Agard uses phonetic spelling to create Creole dialect throughout the poem. 'Dem tell me' appears repeatedly, emphasizing how the British education system separated him from his roots. This linguistic choice becomes an act of cultural pride and resistance.
The 'bandage up me eye... blind me' metaphor is brilliantly ironic. Bandages should heal, but here they deliberately blind him to his own heritage. The poem's final line - 'I carving out me identity' - stands alone as a short, powerful statement of self-determination.
Memory Trick: Notice how Agard literally writes in two different styles - standard English for British history, Creole for Caribbean culture - showing the divide in his education.
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Bayonet Charge by Ted Hughes
Picture waking up mid-sprint in a battlefield, bullets flying past your head. Hughes throws us straight into this terrifying moment, exploring how the brutal reality of war destroys any romantic notions about conflict.
Though Hughes imagined this experience (his father served in WWI), the poem feels incredibly authentic. Starting 'Suddenly he awoke and was running' creates an in medias res effect - we're instantly in the soldier's confused, vulnerable state as he charges forward.
The onomatopoeia in 'bullets smacking the belly out the air' creates visceral, violent imagery. Notice how the air becomes personified, as if it too is being wounded. Most powerfully, concepts like 'honour' are 'dropped like luxuries' - the soldier abandons these idealistic reasons for war when facing death.
War Poetry Connection: Compare this raw, realistic portrayal with "Charge of the Light Brigade" and "Kamikaze" to explore how different poets present the reality of conflict.
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The Prelude by William Wordsworth
Ever had a moment in nature that completely changed how you see the world? Wordsworth's "Prelude" captures exactly this - a seemingly innocent boat trip that becomes a profound encounter with nature's overwhelming power.
As a Romantic poet, Wordsworth wrote in iambic pentameter without a strict rhyme scheme, letting the natural rhythm mirror his experience. The 'troubled pleasure' oxymoron immediately reveals his guilt - he's stolen this boat, and mankind's selfishness becomes a key theme.
The boat is described as 'She was an elfin pinnace' through personification, making it seem almost magical and boosting his confidence. But everything changes when the mountain appears to grow larger. The repeated 'I struck and struck again' uses sibilant sounds to create sinister tension as nature reveals its true, intimidating power.
Nature's Lesson: This poem works brilliantly alongside "Storm on the Island" and "Exposure" when exploring how the power of nature humbles human pride.
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We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
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Students love us — and so will you.
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4.8/5
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user