Understanding the concept of remembrance in John McCrae’s ‘In Flanders Fields’
I can explain how John McCrae presents the experience of dying at war.
Understanding the concept of remembrance in John McCrae’s ‘In Flanders Fields’
I can explain how John McCrae presents the experience of dying at war.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The poem begins by introducing the symbol of the poppy
- There are crosses marking the graves of the many fallen soldiers, who died in these fields in Belgium
- The second stanza focuses on the men and how they once were, creating empathy for the dead
- The final stanza is a call to arms, encouraging others to continue to fight for freedom
Common misconception
That all war poetry is designed to dissuade people from fighting.
Pro-war poetry is designed to encourage people to volunteer to fight.
Keywords
Poppy - A poppy is a plant with large, delicate flowers that are typically red and have small, black seeds.
Remembrance - Remembrance is the act of remembering the dead.
Call to arms - A call to arms is a call to defend or make ready to fight.
Recruitment - Recruitment is the action of enlisting new people in the armed forces.
Empathy - Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
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).
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