Introduction These notes are part of a brief analysis of selected poems for CIE English Literature for the May/June 2013 examinations in the USA. They are intended for teachers, although high-ability students may also be able to use these study notes. Poetry is sometimes difficult to analyse and comment upon, as one person’s interpretation may not be another’s. Please be aware that the notes are my interpretation of each poem, and should be used in conjunction with other materials, resources, and worksheets to have the best results. Nonetheless, these notes can be a useful starting point for students and teachers, and to stimulate discussion for the poem. Poetry selection: From Songs of Ourselves: The University of Cambridge International Examinations Anthology of Poetry in English: Poem analysed: 125 Where Lies the Land? by Arthur Hugh Clough – Lies the Land? by Arthur Hugh Clough Background Arthur Clough (pronounced was born in 1819 in Liverpool but moved to the South Carolina, ‘cluff’) USA when he was a young boy. He travelled quite a bit as he went back to England for his education (aged nine) but also went to France, Italy, back to America and then back to England, as well as visiting Greece and Turkey. Inspiration for this poem came from his sea voyages as well as from a poem by William Wordsworth, as the first line to the poem is lies the Land to which ‘Where yon Ship must go’.
Introduction These notes are part of a brief analysis of selected poems for CIE English Literature for the May/June 2013 examinations in the USA. They are intended for teachers, although high-ability students may also be able to use these study notes. Poetry is sometimes difficult to analyse and comment upon, as one person’s interpretation may not be another’s. Please be aware that the notes are my interpretation of each poem, and should be used in conjunction with other materials, resources, and worksheets to have the best results. Nonetheless, these notes can be a useful starting point for students and teachers, and to stimulate discussion for the poem. Poetry selection: From Songs of Ourselves: The University of Cambridge International Examinations Anthology of Poetry in English: Poem analysed: 125 – Where Lies the Land? by Arthur Hugh Clough Lies the Land? by Arthur Hugh Clough Background Arthur Clough (pronounced ‘cluff’) was born in 1819 in Liverpool but moved to the South Carolina, USA when he was a young boy. He travelled quite a bit as he went back to England for his education (aged nine) but also went to France, Italy, back to America and then back to England, as well as visiting Greece and Turkey. Inspiration for this poem came from his sea voyages as well as from a poem by William Wordsworth, as the first line to the poem is ‘Where lies the Land to which yon Ship must go’.