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Year 11 - English

Understanding the poem 'Poppies'

Conflict poetry continued

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupis read and analyse three poems from the 'Conflict' anthology. Pupils complete two lessons about each poem: one on understanding and one on analysis. At the end of the unit, pupils analyse themes from across the anthology and practise crafting a sophisticated comparative essay,

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

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