Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson we will:

1. Be able to analyse the language and themes of Ghazal by Mimi Khalvanti

Task One

Read through the poem an draw a spider diagram showing all the different things that the poem is about.

Ghazal

Task Two

In the table below write down all the things the poet will do and all the things that the beloved is asked to do.

Things that the speaker will do Things that the beloved is asked to do

Blow through me

Context & BackgroundThe ghazal is an ancient form of poetry popular in India, Iran, Pakistan and Turkey. Ghazal’s are often written to praise someone and are often sung and accompanied by music.

The main themes of ghazal poems are love and separation and forbidden or unrequited love.

Ghazals are often religious poems and refer to a love of God but they can also be about a more earthy kind of love as well.

Ghazals often use extended metaphors , natural and sensual imagery to explore the writer’s emotions.

How would you describe the mood and tone of the poem?

Task Three

Complete a table giving an image and the effect created.

Quote Effect created

I am the grass and you are the breeze, blow through me.

Themes

What do you think the main themes of the poem are?

Themes

Ghazal explores the relationship between the lover and his beloved.

In the poem the persona experiences, spiritual love, sexual desire and unrequited longing.

The key themes in this poem are love, separation and impossible love. The beloved appears not to return the feelings of love and yet the speaker seems enchanted powerless to resist their feelings.