Analysing the poem 'Poppies'
I can explore how Weir uses language and structure to explore grief.
Analysing the poem 'Poppies'
I can explore how Weir uses language and structure to explore grief.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The title could be suggestive of remembrance, the many grieving mothers of war or the outward display of deeper grief.
- Bird imagery may reflect the mother letting go of her son or the way in which she represses her grief.
- Two sestets either side of two longer stanzas may suggest the mother trying hard to contain her emotions for her son.
- The domestic and textile imagery may also show the mother’s containment of grief.
- Textile imagery also suggests the limitations of the mother’s ability to protect her son outside of the home.
Keywords
Grief - intense sorrow usually associated with the death of something or someone
Repress - to keep something under control and not let it come to the surface
Selflessness - concern more with the desires and needs of others rather than one’s own
Common misconception
Pupils may not notice the significance of the textile imagery.
The textile imagery was carefully chosen for the poem, Jane Weir would have been very conscious of putting this in as she was a textile designer.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Analysing the poem 'Poppies', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Analysing the poem 'Poppies', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 english lessons from the 'Power and Conflict' unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the AQA Power and Conflict Anthology for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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