Comparing 'Poppies' and Duffy's 'War Photographer'
I can successfully compare ‘Poppies’ and Duffy's ‘War Photographer’.
Comparing 'Poppies' and Duffy's 'War Photographer'
I can successfully compare ‘Poppies’ and Duffy's ‘War Photographer’.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- For your ‘Power and Conflict’ essay, you will be given one poem and you have to choose one to compare it with.
- ‘Poppies’ could compare well with ‘Remains’, ‘Kamikaze’ or Duffy's ‘War Photographer’.
- ‘Poppies’ and ‘Kamikaze’ explore less-recognised perspectives of war and show that these are nonetheless painful.
- Duffy's ‘War Photographer’ and ‘Poppies’ explore powerful memories that are connected to their difficult experiences.
- ‘Poppies’ ends with a sombre but peaceful tone, Duffy's ‘War Photographer’ ends with a caustic and restless tone.
Keywords
Caustic - sarcastic in a scathing and bitter way
Asyndetic - a list separated by commas not conjunctions
Complementary - combining to emphasise the qualities of one another
Common misconception
The title of the poem 'Poppies' may cause the students to immediately link 'Poppies' with another WW1 poem e.g. 'Exposure'.
It is better to look at comparing poems on the basis of themes and big ideas rather than the time periods in which they were based. 'Poppies' is not a WW1 poem but instead uses the symbol of a poppy in the title to explore grief and loss.
Equipment
You will need a copy of the AQA Power and Conflict poetry anthology for GCSE.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
sarcastic in a scathing and bitter way
a list separated by commas not conjunctions
combining to emphasise the qualities of one another