About His Person

worksheet by Jennifer Greenald

1. Make a list of the items found on the man's body.

2. What can you guess about him from these items? Choose at least 3 and explain what they suggest.

3. Why does Simon Armitage use such plain language? (Who do you think might be speaking?)

4. Which lines rhyme properly? Which ones nearly rhyme? Mark them in different colours. Why has Simon Armitage used so many incomplete rhymes?

5. Some of the descriptions of items have double meanings. How does each of the following descriptions suggest death?

date of expiry .................................................................................
franked..........................................................................................
slashed..........................................................................................
stopped.........................................................................................
planted there...................................................................................
spray carnation...............................................................................