Analysing John McCrae’s call to arms in ‘In Flanders Fields’
I can explain how McCrae uses natural imagery, euphonic sounds and structure to present a call to arms.
Analysing John McCrae’s call to arms in ‘In Flanders Fields’
I can explain how McCrae uses natural imagery, euphonic sounds and structure to present a call to arms.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The natural imagery of the poppy and the lark suggests that it's natural to die for your country
- The euphonic sounds create a soothing tone to the poem
- McCrae uses the imagery of sunlight to represent life and death
- The last lines act as a warning to the reader, saying the dead will never sleep if we do not continue their fight
Common misconception
That natural imagery is only designed to help paint a picture to the reader.
Natural imagery can also be used to suggest a concept is natural or make a comment about the relationship between humans and nature.
Keywords
Natural imagery - Natural imagery is the use of images of animals, landscapes and nature in a poem.
Symbolise - To symbolise means to represent something.
Soothing - Soothing means to have a calming effect.
Reassurance - Reassurance is the action of removing someone's doubts or fears.
Consequence - Consequence is a result or effect, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of John McCrae's 'In Flanders Fields' for this lesson. There is a copy in the additional materials.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Freedom
An ending
Beauty/fragility
A beginning
The blood of the dead soldiers