A comparison of ‘Poppies’ by Jane Weir with other Edexcel 'Conflict' poems
I can explain similarities and differences between poets' viewpoints.
A comparison of ‘Poppies’ by Jane Weir with other Edexcel 'Conflict' poems
I can explain similarities and differences between poets' viewpoints.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- 'Poppies' can be compared to many of the other war poems in the anthology.
- Unlike other war poems, 'Poppies' focuses on the relatives of soldiers who go off to war.
- 'Poppies' could be compared with poems that explore inner conflict and themes of loss.
- It's important to choose poems that complement each other and avoid tenuous links.
- Comparative language enables us to signpost the similarities and differences between two poems.
Common misconception
Poppies is a poem about a mother whose son died during WWI.
Although Poppies are a symbol of remembrance for those who died in WWI, Weir uses her poem to draw attention to the many conflicts that have occurred throughout history. It isn't clear which conflict the son is heading off to fight in.
Keywords
Futility - uselessness, pointlessness or ineffectiveness
Periphery - the outer edges or boundary of something
Tenuous - lacking a strong basis, support, or clarity; weak or easily challenged
Complement - when something supports something else or makes it more effective
In media res - a story begins in the middle of the action without any exposition or introduction
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the Edexcel GCSE Conflict Poetry Anthology.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
- 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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