Poppies

• Who is the author of the poem "Poppies"?

  Jane Weir
• What is the main theme of the poem "Poppies"?

  Remembrance of a lost son
• What does the phrase "three days before armistice Sunday" signify in the poem?

  It establishes the theme of remembrance
• What does the narrator place on her son's blazer?

  A poppy
• What memory does the narrator recount about her son?

  Using Sellotape to remove cat hairs
• How does the narrator feel when she remembers her son?

  She tries to stop her emotion
• What does the narrator do after her son leaves the house?

  She goes to his room
• What does the narrator do at the war memorial?

  Leans on it and watches a dove
• What does the narrator wish for at the end of the poem?

  To hear her son's voice
• In what year was Jane Weir born?

  1963
• How did Weir's background influence her poetry?

  She explores causes of young boys going to war
• What collection is the poem "Poppies" from?

  "Exit Wounds"
• What do poppies symbolize in the context of the poem?

  Remembrance of those who died in war
• What does the use of temporal deixis in the poem signify?

  Establishes the theme of remembrance
• What does the word choice in the poem imply?

  Memories have painful undertones
• What does the phrase "spasms of paper red" refer to?

  The crimped petals of the poppy
• What does the narrator mean by "Sellotape bandaged around my hand"?

  She is removing cat hairs from clothes
• What does the narrator resist doing with her son?

  Smothering him with affection
• What does the phrase "the world overflowing like a treasure chest" suggest?

  Joy and abundance in life
• What does the narrator release from its cage?

  A songbird
• What does the dove symbolize in the poem?

  Peace and hope
• What does the narrator trace at the war memorial?

  The inscriptions
• How does the narrator feel when she listens for her son's voice?

  Hopeful yet sorrowful
• What form does the poem "Poppies" take?

  Dramatic monologue
• What narrative perspective is used in "Poppies"?

  Second person narrative
• What does the lack of rhyme scheme in the poem indicate?

  Uncensored thoughts of the speaker
• What does free verse in the poem suggest?

  An outpouring of emotion
• What does enjambment create in the poem?

  A fragmented feeling
• How does the poem "Poppies" differ from "Kamikaze"?

  Poppies shows physical loss, Kamikaze shows rejection
• What is a similarity between "Poppies" and "Exposure"?

  Both discuss the sense of duty in war
• How does "Poppies" explore the psychological impact of losing a son?

  Through memories of childhood and affection
• What does the phrase "I was brave" signify in the poem?

  Emotional bravery in daily life
• How does Weir blend domestic imagery with military metaphors?

  By juxtaposing everyday life with war's impact
• What does the lack of protection in "without a winter coat" imply?

  Vulnerability to the effects of war
• What does the juxtaposition of "graze" and "maternal affection" suggest?

  Conflict between love and injury
• How does Weir's exploration of emotional suffering differ from traditional war poetry?

  Focuses on emotional rather than physical pain
• What does enjambment in "all my words flattened" signify?

  Mother's emotional breakdown
• What is a similarity between "Poppies" and "Kamikaze"?

  Both explore psychological effects of war
• How does Weir depict grief in "Poppies"?

  Through memories and emotional reflections
• What does the phrase "the chaotic structure of the poem" refer to?

  Reflects narrator's lack of control