poppies Flashcards
structure
free verse struture, there is no organised rhyme scheme or structure its got stanzas different lengths and also enjambment and casera. a chaotic structure reflects the chaotic impact of the conflict on those who are at home. they are absorb with the terrified thoughts of those loved ones who are serving war. dramatic monologue emphasises the pain of the often ignored mother. it focuses on those who are left behind rather than those going to war. also emphasises how hes not there as we do not hear from him or in some interpretations dead. uses enjambment from stanza 2 to 3. breaking structure represents how the mother is breaking emotionally
“spasms of paper red,distrupting a blockade of yellow bias”
“spasms” connates injury and “blockade”is a war related word. blending of domestic image with a war image reflects how the mother is seeing the ideas of suffering in everyday life,the ideas of conflict is overwhelming her. also seen in “sellotape bandaged around my hands” bandage relates to suffering and wounds like a wounded solider, the constant blending of domestic and military language shows how the suffering of her son is constantly on the speakers mind and effects her in everything she does.
“a single dove”
seen as a positive image and symbol of peace however can be a symbol of mourning and death so it gives a sense of conflicting emoions.
“i was brave”
challenges our preconseived ideas of conflict. you would expect this to be said by the soilder but the mother is saying it. it hammers on the point that war has a huge impact on those left at home.
“the world overflowing like a treasure chest”
a simile. showing the sons sense of excitement of leaving home. a childish image. which suggest he doesnt have realistic expectations. she also described him as “intoxicated” it suggest that perharps hes not making a measures and controlled decision but hes caught up in the excitment of everything.
purpose of the poem
says the war is not experienced by those at home in literal conflict zones but its also experienced by those at home in the civillian world
