IGCSE English literature Half-Past Two – U.A. Fanthorpe Complete Poetry Analysis and Revision Guide

What’s Included

Detailed Summary – A clear explanation of the poem’s narrative, exploring a young boy’s perception of time and his experience of punishment at school.

Contextual Analysis – Insight into Fanthorpe’s life and her interest in institutional settings, particularly education, and how they shape human experience.

Themes & Key Ideas – Focus on childhood innocence, time and memory, authority, and the contrast between adult control and childlike freedom.

Language & Structure – Analysis of compound nouns, capitalisation, enjambment, and free verse, exploring how these reflect the child’s perspective and confusion about time.

Comparative Links – Connections with Piano by D.H. Lawrence, focusing on how both poets use memory and nostalgia to reflect on childhood experiences.

Key Literary Features – Discussion of personification, storytelling conventions, and contrast between structured tercets and fluid rhythm to mirror adult order versus child freedom.

Exam-Style Questions – Targeted prompts designed to help students write analytical, exam-ready comparisons and responses.

Why Use This Resource

Exam-Focused – Tailored to Edexcel IGCSE & AQA GCSE Poetry Anthology requirements, with emphasis on AO2 and AO3 skills.

Engaging & Accessible – Uses clear explanations and close analysis ideal for building confidence with complex poetic techniques.

Flexible Use – Perfect for classroom teaching, revision sessions, or independent study.