Poppies - Jane Weir

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

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

  • Remembrance of loss
  • Impact of war on families
  • Emotional suffering of a mother
• What event does the poem "Poppies" reference in its opening line?

  Armistice Sunday
• What does the narrator place on her son's blazer?

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

  Using Sellotape to remove cat hairs
• What does the narrator resist doing to her son before he leaves?

  Smothering him with affection
• Where does the narrator go after her son leaves the house?

  His bedroom
• What does the narrator do at the war memorial?

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

  Her son's voice
• What year was Jane Weir born?

  1963
• What influenced Jane Weir's exploration of war themes?

  Her experience living in Northern Ireland
• What does the poppy symbolize in the poem?

  Remembrance
• What literary form does the poem "Poppies" take?

  Dramatic monologue
• How does the speaker address her son in the poem?

  Using second person narrative
• What does the free verse structure of the poem represent?

  The speaker's uncensored thoughts
• What does enjambment in the poem suggest?

  Fragmented memories of the narrator
• How does Weir blend domestic imagery with conflict?

  By describing everyday life with war references
• What unconventional aspect of bravery does Weir explore?

  Emotional suffering instead of physical pain
• How does the narrator's grief manifest in the poem?

  Through painful memories and emotions
• What are the similarities and differences between "Poppies" and "Kamikaze"?

  Similarities:

  • Psychological effects of war
  • Focus on unconventional victims of war

  
  

  Differences:

  • "Poppies" shows physical loss; "Kamikaze" shows societal rejection
• What are the similarities and differences between "Poppies" and "Exposure"?

  Similarities:

  • Duty and patriotism disguise war's nature
  • Presentation of unprepared soldiers

  
  

  Differences:

  • Owen experienced war; Hughes did not
• What are the similarities and differences between "Poppies" and "Remains"?

  Similarities:

  • Psychological impact of loss
  • Memories extend war's impact

  
  

  Differences:

  • "Poppies" focuses on remembrance; "Remains" on guilt
• What does the metaphor of the dove represent in the poem?

  Hope and freedom
• How does the poem depict the cyclical nature of war?

  By showing the son participating in remembrance
• What does the phrase "the world overflowing like a treasure chest" imply?

  Joy and abundance before loss
• What does the phrase "my stomach busy making tucks, darts, pleats" suggest about the narrator's emotional state?

  Her anxiety and nervousness
• What does the phrase "leaned against it like a wishbone" symbolize?

  Hope and longing
• How does the poem "Poppies" reflect modern poetry characteristics?

  Through its free verse and emotional depth
• What does the phrase "I was brave" reveal about the narrator's perception of bravery?

  It contrasts traditional views of bravery
• What does the use of "graze" in the context of maternal affection imply?

  Injury-like connotations of love
• How does the poem illustrate the impact of war on domestic life?

  By showing the mother's emotional turmoil
• What does the phrase "all my words flattened, rolled, turned into felt" suggest about the narrator's communication?

  Her inability to express emotions
• What does the chaotic structure of the poem signify?

  The narrator's lack of control over emotions
• How does the poem "Poppies" address the theme of loss?

  Through the mother's memories and grief
• What does the imagery of "crimped petals" convey in the poem?

  The fragility of memories
• How does the poem depict the relationship between the mother and son?

  Through affectionate and painful memories
• What does the phrase "intoxicated" imply about the son's departure?

  His eagerness and excitement
• How does the poem "Poppies" reflect the theme of remembrance?

  By using symbols like poppies and memorials
• What does the phrase "the dove pulled freely against the sky" symbolize?

  Freedom and peace
• How does the poem illustrate the emotional impact of war on families?

  Through the mother's reflections and grief