'Harmonium' by Simon Armitage (GCSE analysis)

A revision video for GCSE students studying the Relationships cluster from the Moon on the Tides anthology for AQA English Literature.

[@Nat99K]

You helped me so much, i have a stupid teacher and you help me understand them alot more

[@jaichawla-lidbury6385]

chicken leg piece

[@harveywilliams7013]

The poem to me seems to mainly be a reflection on a past interaction with the voice's already now deceased father (significance of the past tense and talk of death). This idea then lends more significance to the last two lines: "too starved of breath to make itself heard," references not only the speaker's literal lack of breath as he has been carrying the heavy harmonium but this seems to be a metaphore for the way everyday life/work can keep us from those we care about until it is too late - perhaps the poet is expressing regret?

[@reb2229]

My favourite poem of all time, I think. I can really relate to it. Great analysis.