Poppies

Question 1

Context
Structure/form
Message

Answer 1

Jane Weir -
The poem “poppies” was written as part of a collection in 2009, for Carol Ann Duffy.
Structure/form-
First person narrative, so the reader gets a strong impression of the mother’s emotions. No regular rhyme or rhythm, making it sound as if the narrators thoughts are memories.
The poem is in chronological, but the time frame is ambiguous.

Question 2

Quotation 1 ~ “poppies”

Answer 2

“Poppies”

- red links to the death/blood of the soldiers during and after world war 1.

Question 3

Quotation 2 ~ “crimped petals”

Answer 3

“Crimped petals”

- shows that something is ruined or damaged, while simultaneously, petals present and display hope + piece

Question 4

Quotation 3 ~ “I wanted to graze my nose across the tip of your nose”

Answer 4

“I wanted to graze my nose across the tip of your nose”

• mothers point of view
• going back to when her some was little, but it now an independent man and parting away from her
• she wants to have control over him growing up but simpler can’t

Question 5

Quotation 4 ~ “after you were gone I went into your bedroom”

Answer 5

“After you’d gone I went into your bedroom”

• wants to feel connected with her son
• wishes he were already home

Question 6

Quotation 5 ~ “hat-less, wothout a winter coat or reinforcements of scarf, gloves.”

Answer 6

“hat-less, wothout a winter coat or reinforcements of scarf, gloves.”

• unprotected from the elements, metaphor for being exposed to pain and mourning.
• “reinforcements” used in military terms, reflecting that emotional battles are fought at home as well as overseas
• she is now exposed to a future without him