Unseen Poetry: “The Missing” EDEXCEL ALEVEL

A fully resourced unseen poetry lesson exploring Roger Robinson’s “The Missing” — a poignant elegy inspired by the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Designed for A Level English Literature (Edexcel Component 3 Section A), this PowerPoint guides students through close reading, analysis, and comparative response skills.

Includes:

Context on Robinson and A Portable Paradise

Structured reading tasks to develop independent interpretation

Analysis activities focusing on reality vs. surrealism, tone, and imagery

Exploration of form, structure, and symbolism (e.g., enjambment, elegiac mode)

Comparative essay question with Alan Jenkins’ “Effects”

Challenge discussion: What does the poem teach about grief and community?

Plenary reflection task with student sharing prompt

Teacher notes:
Ideal for unseen poetry practice and comparative essay preparation. Encourages critical thinking around tone, emotion, and representation of tragedy through poetic technique.