The History Boys Lesson Plan

Analyzing Philip Larkin's "MCMXIV"

Kind of Activity:

Group Discussion

Objective:

Students will analyze Phillip Larkin's "MCMXIV," with an eye towards its language and themes, and evaluate its significance in the play.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.2, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.4, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.5, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.9, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.1

Structure:

In Act One, scene six as Irwin again criticizes the young mens' writing as dry and dull, and encourages them to challenge the status quo, he is surprised to find out that all the young men know Philip Larkin's poem, "MCMXIV," and can recite it from memory....