Comparing two anthology poems on the theme of conflict

Question 5 (16 marks)

Compare how two poets in the Eduqas anthology present the theme of conflict in their work. Refer to at least two poems.

Mark scheme (AO1 + AO2 + AO3, 16 marks):

Indicative content:

• Owen and Armitage both write about soldiers and violence — Owen from WWI, Armitage from Iraq; both use first-person or near-first-person voice; both present the psychological cost of war, not just the physical
• Owen's language is more elevated and rhetorical ("the blood-shod" / "the white eyes writhing in his face"); Armitage is colloquial and contemporary ("so we let fly," "End of story")
• Both poets challenge comfortable assumptions: Owen challenges pro-war propaganda; Armitage challenges the dehumanisation of enemy casualties in modern conflict reporting
• AO3 for each: Owen's WWI experience and anti-propaganda purpose; Armitage drawing on soldiers' testimonies for The Not Dead (2007)

Mark bands as for extended poetry comparison (Band 4 = integrated, AO3 embedded, perceptive AO2 on form and language).