Poppies

Question 1

‘Spasms of paper red, disrupting a

blockade of yellow bias’

Answer 1

Description of poppy uses words such as ‘spasms’, ‘disrupting’ and ‘blockade’. Language related to war
and violence which hints at the manner of the son’s death.

Question 2

‘I walked with you, to the front door… the world overflowing like a treasure chest.’

Answer 2

Door to the house symbolises door to the adult world – she is letting him go. Simile ‘like a treasure chest’ suggests the boy’s future is full of riches and possibilities.

Question 3

‘I went into your bedroom, released a song bird from its

cage.’

Answer 3

Metaphor for the mother ‘letting go’ of the memory of her son. She has literally released something which brought her joy.

Question 4

Structure

Answer 4

Poem looks structured on surface with four clear stanzas. When we look closer it is broken up with caesura at several points. Reflects mother who looks composed on the outside but is breaking on the inside.

Question 5

Idea/Perspective/Context (AO3)

Answer 5

Focuses on the impact of conflict on the bereaved families of soldiers. Shows the after effect of conflict – it spreads beyond those who fought.

Question 6

Links

Answer 6

Remains
Exposure
War Photographer
Kamikaze