Gwen Harwood: Poems Lesson Plan

Many of Harwood’s poems feature natural images, but “The Lion’s Bride” takes the perspective of an animal. How is this more direct approach different from her other nature poems? How is it similar or different to her romance poems?

Some might find “The Lion’s Bride” far more simple than her other nature poems, at its speaker has fairly straightforward aims. However, Harwood puts weight on every line, emphasizing the primal energy of the lioness’s desire. Many of Harwood’s romance poems have this energy, but there’s none of the trepidation that appears in those poems. The lioness feels no shame or trepidation about her need to mate, unlike humans.

This group of poems...