'In The Round Tower At Jhansi' :A complete set of notes for OCR Paper 1 A Level
Comparative Essay
- The essay tests AO1,AO3, AO4 and AO5
●
1. Summary / Analysis
The poem begins in media res, hyperbolic in its narrative as a dramatic narrative poem,
exaggerating the extent to which the besieged couple are under tragic and dramatic tension.
There is an omniscient third-person narrator who almost plays out the events as a near-
theatrical story embedded with dialogue and action.
The poem was published alongside Goblin Market in 1859. This was only two years after the
actual date of the massacre at Jhansi which is included in the title (8th June 1857).
The couple include Mr and Mrs Skene. Skene’s name is a charactonym—it symbolises the
idea of Greek theatre where "skene" refers to a tent or hut where actors changed masks and
costumes, symbolising Skene's role as a protector for his wife.
The poem narrates the tough choice the couple have to make during the Indian Mutiny—
whether to kill themselves or be found out by the rebel Indians in their hideout. They
eventually choose to commit suicide, exchanging a few final words and kisses.
The setting of the poem is announced in the title.
The poem captures the final tragic moments of a young couple, who—despite their
unfortunate circumstances—show how love can be a beacon of hope and solace, as they
remain “close” and discuss whether the gunshot from the rebels would “hurt much”.
The couple remain united in death as they were in life by sharing a final kiss and saying
“goodbye”.
2. Themes and Quotes
Theme: Love and Sacrifice
● “I wish I could bear the pang for both”
● “Courage, dear, I am not loth”
● “Close his arm” / “Close her cheek” / “Close the pistol”
● “Skene looked at his pale young wife”
● “Kiss”
Comparative Essay
- The essay tests AO1,AO3, AO4 and AO5
●
1. Summary / Analysis
The poem begins in media res, hyperbolic in its narrative as a dramatic narrative poem,
exaggerating the extent to which the besieged couple are under tragic and dramatic tension.
There is an omniscient third-person narrator who almost plays out the events as a near-
theatrical story embedded with dialogue and action.
The poem was published alongside Goblin Market in 1859. This was only two years after the
actual date of the massacre at Jhansi which is included in the title (8th June 1857).
The couple include Mr and Mrs Skene. Skene’s name is a charactonym—it symbolises the
idea of Greek theatre where "skene" refers to a tent or hut where actors changed masks and
costumes, symbolising Skene's role as a protector for his wife.
The poem narrates the tough choice the couple have to make during the Indian Mutiny—
whether to kill themselves or be found out by the rebel Indians in their hideout. They
eventually choose to commit suicide, exchanging a few final words and kisses.
The setting of the poem is announced in the title.
The poem captures the final tragic moments of a young couple, who—despite their
unfortunate circumstances—show how love can be a beacon of hope and solace, as they
remain “close” and discuss whether the gunshot from the rebels would “hurt much”.
The couple remain united in death as they were in life by sharing a final kiss and saying
“goodbye”.
2. Themes and Quotes
Theme: Love and Sacrifice
● “I wish I could bear the pang for both”
● “Courage, dear, I am not loth”
● “Close his arm” / “Close her cheek” / “Close the pistol”
● “Skene looked at his pale young wife”
● “Kiss”
