Explore how the poet presents the changing relationship between the speaker and the farmer in ‘The Farmer’. In your answer you must consider: • the language and imagery • the structure and form • the mood and atmosphere. Remember to support your answer with relevant textual details.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme. The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. AO1: Respond to texts critically and imaginatively; select and synthesise relevant textual detail to support exploration and analysis.
2. AO2: Analyse the language, form and structure of texts, and explain how these are used to create meanings and effects.
3. AO5: Communicate clearly and cogently in writing, using appropriate vocabulary and grammar and accurate spelling and punctuation.
4. Indicative Content (Examiners should reward any valid interpretations):
5. - Candidates should explore how the poet presents the changing relationship between the speaker and the farmer.
6. - Responses may include exploration of: The initial intrigue of the speaker (lines 1-4); Growing acceptance/proximity (lines 5-10, 11-14); Sharing/learning/trust (lines 15-20); A sense of the relationship becoming more established/intimate (lines 21-25); A feeling of continuity/connection (lines 26-30); The changing dynamic: from observation to participation, from distance to closeness.
7. - Candidates should also consider the language, imagery, structure, form, mood and atmosphere.
8. - Language and Imagery examples: imagery associated with the farmer’s appearance (‘rough hair’, ‘strong hands’, ‘steaming body’), imagery of nature/work (‘sweat’, ‘soil’, ‘fields’, ‘horses’), verbs suggesting observation (‘watching’, ‘seeing’, ‘staring’), verbs suggesting interaction (‘followed’, ‘stayed’, ‘talked’), metaphors/similes for connection or change (‘like a shadow’, ‘like a tide’), direct address to the farmer ‘you’ at the end, suggesting intimacy.
9. - Structure and Form examples: chronological narrative charting the relationship’s development, regular stanza length suggesting the steady rhythm of their lives/work, and the gradual, consistent change, use of enjambment reflecting flow/continuity, shift in perspective or direct address, signalling closer relationship.
10. - Mood and Atmosphere examples: initial mood of curiosity/respect, shift towards warmth/companionship, sense of peace/belonging developed.