The central conflict
The central conflict
Catrin explores the powerful bond between a mother and daughter as the daughter moves towards independence. The relationship is loving, but that love is physical, protective and demanding, so separation creates conflict rather than ending the connection.
Step-by-step lessons on Edexcel GCSE English Literature 2.2.9 Catrin by Gillian Clarke. Each one builds up to exam-style questions. Work through your set texts (Shakespeare, the post-1914 text, the 19th-century novel, and the poetry anthology) alongside regular unseen-poetry practice, since the unseen and comparison sections are usually the most time-pressured on exam day.