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Hip-Hop star Akala discusses the ideas and emotions in Byron’s poem, ‘When We Two Parted’ with battle rapper Mark Grist.

They discuss Byron’s celebrity-like status, and his feelings of bitterness and sorrow towards his former partner are explored.

Young poets discuss and respond to the language of the poem and its themes and structure.

This clip is from the series Between the Lines: The Romantics.

Teacher Notes

Discuss the poem’s content, ideas, language and structure. What emotions are evoked?

Pupils could look into context, compare alternative interpretations and explore Byron’s world, and the influences behind his poem/poetry.

Curriculum Notes

Romantic poetry is a key requirement on the new English Literature GCSE syllabus being taught from 2015 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.