‘One Cigarette’
By Edwin Morgan
Learning Intentions
• Compare and contrast another Morgan love
poetry and look for connections
• Understand how you can use this poem to
increase your critical essay skills
• Develop your textual analysis skills by
analysing an unseen poem
One Cigarette
://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t95SAnMf
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Exploding a Poem
In your groups, discuss the following questions
to get to the heart of the text:
1. What is the poem about?
2. Who is speaking in the poem? To whom?
3. How does the poem convey its message?
4. Why do you think the poet has written the
poem?
5. What is your personal response to the poem?
Connections to ‘Strawberries’
Identify as many connections and similarities
between ‘One Cigarette’ and ‘Strawberries’.
Focus on the object, which is given more
meaning in this poem (i.e. the cigarette) and
explain why this has been chosen. What
connotations does this have?
Connections to ‘Strawberries’
Connections to ‘Strawberries’
• Channels a memory through an unusual object.
• Deals with the memory of a lost love affair triggered by the
sight and smell of a cigarette burning in an ashtray.
• The object symbolises the stage in the relationship.
• Fragility of the relationship – and the memory – is explored.
• Use of the present tense to show power of memory.
• Imagery of touch is used to convey ultimate trust in the
lovers.
• Ends on a bittersweet note of regret.
• The idea of love that is new and passionate, then literally,
burns itself out.
Cigarette
How can these connections help in
your critical essay?
It is highly appropriate to cross reference when
answering a poetry question. This allows you
to open up the question somewhat and
demonstrate your knowledge of the writer
and his other works. However, only refer to
other works to highlight and illustrate a point
which helps you to answer the question.
How can these connections help in
your critical essay?
For example, it would be highly relevant to
mention the poem ‘One Cigarette’ in an essay
that explores the theme of love or
mood/atmosphere and uses sensory devices
to do so. But – BE CAREFUL – as the question
will clearly ask you to focus on one poem. You
nay refer to other works only to emphasise a
point being made about your primary text.
Over to you…
In your groups, annotate your poem and build
up your analysis skills. Remember the
connections to ‘Strawberries’ as this will help
you.
I will give you some additional notes on the
poem as well.
Things to look for…
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Symbolism of the cigarette
Use of the senses
Extended metaphor of the “fire”
Idea of smoke signals
Word choice
Use of questions
Imagery
Theme of love and passion