In both ‘Yours’ and ‘Scaffolding’, the speakers describe their feelings about the strength of romantic relationships.

Both Heaney and Hoffman use extended metaphors to explore the foundational and transformative nature of love. In Scaffolding, Heaney compares a relationship to building a structure, with “scaffolding” representing the early supports couples use to test and strengthen their bond. The image of “walls of sure and solid stone” reflects the enduring stability that results from mutual effort and trust. In Yours, Hoffman uses natural metaphors—such as “the snowcap” and an “island without the sea”—to express emotional dependence and unity. These images suggest how the speaker’s identity is shaped and illuminated by their partner’s presence. ……

Video Breakdown preview

The video provides a step-by-step breakdown of a Level 6 response and compares it with a Level 4 answer for AQA’s Unseen Poetry Question 2:

“In both Yours and Scaffolding, the speakers describe their feelings about the strength of romantic relationships. What are the similarities and/or differences between the methods the poets use to present these feelings?”

The Level 6 response compares Scaffolding by Seamus Heaney with Yours by Daniel Hoffman. It argues that both poets use extended metaphors—construction in Heaney and nature in Hoffman—to present love as emotionally sustaining and enduring.

The essay includes:

• Close analysis of metaphor, tone, structure, and diction

• Comparative insight into emotional intimacy and steadiness

• Commentary on how rhyme, enjambment, and word choice reflect mature, grounded love

In contrast, the Level 4 response shows understanding of the metaphors and tone but lacks depth, precision, and detailed language or structural analysis. It tends to generalise ideas rather than exploring how poetic methods convey emotional meaning.

The video highlights how top-level responses use analytical language, interpret poetic methods, and develop clear, comparative arguments.