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Year 10 - English

Understanding the poem 'Poppies'

'Power and Conflict'

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupis explore 12 of the 15 poems from the 'Power and Conflict' anthology. Pupils complete two lessons about each poem: one on understanding and one on analysis. Pupils study the poems in three groups, and they pause after each group to compare how those poems present common themes.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain the main themes and ideas explored in the poem 'Poppies'.

Key Notes

  • 'Poppies' is from the poetry collection 'Exit Wounds' which explores lesser-recognised experiences of war
  • Written from the perspective of a mother, Weir presents the quiet trauma of those who lose close relatives at war
  • Weir's poem struck a nerve with many mothers who had lost their children during conflict
  • Weir is a textile designer and applied the technique of felt making to this poem to explore the deep process of grief

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Grief: intense sorrow usually associated with the death of something or someone
  • Perspective: a point of view
  • Timeless: not restricted to a particular time or date

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Students may associate war poetry with soldiers of the first world war and not consider other perspectives.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

'Poppies' is from the poetry collection 'Exit Wounds' which explores lesser-recognised experiences of war. Written from the perspective of a mother, Weir presents the quiet trauma of those who lose close relatives at war.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'Grief'

intense sorrow usually associated with the death of something or someone.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Students may associate war poetry with soldiers of the first world war and not consider other perspectives. Correction: Many other people were affected by war in less obvious ways than the soldiers themselves.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 English guide library.