CLASSICS - Imperial Image: Propertius, Elegies 4.6

This KS5 lesson is designed for OCR A Level Classical Civilisation: Imperial Image and focuses on Propertius’ Elegies 4.6. The lesson begins by establishing relevant context for the source and exploring the significance of Apollo, particularly his connection to Augustus and the Battle of Actium.

Students then move into independent analysis of the prescribed source. After approximately ten minutes, examples of analysis are provided to model the level of detail expected and help students develop their interpretations. Students then return to their own annotations, using the examples to refine and extend their analysis rather than simply copying teacher-led notes.

The lesson concludes with a comparative task across three prescribed sources, asking: ‘How does the presentation of Cleopatra differ across Horace’s Epode 9, Horace’s Odes 1.37 and Propertius’ Elegies 3.11?’ This encourages students to make connections across the Imperial Image material and consider how different Augustan writers construct Cleopatra and the victory at Actium.

The resource is deliberately student-led and task-driven, combining independent source analysis with targeted teacher modelling and comparative work to build confidence with the prescribed literary sources.