Understanding 'Poppies' | Exit Quiz | Oak National Academy

Whose perspective is 'Poppies' written from?

• the friend of a soldier

• a soldier

• the mother of a soldier

Answer explanation

The mother's perspective humanises the soldier as we are reminded of him as a child, we do not merely know him as a soldier.

What is the form of the poem 'Poppies'?

• sonnet

• dramatic monologue

• ballad

Answer explanation

The dramatic monologue form allows Weir to give significance to the mother's perspective.

Why might Weir have chosen to write 'Poppies' from the perspective of a soldier's mother?

• Weir lost her own sons at war.

• Weir recognised the mother's perspective of war was lesser-recognised.

• Weir wanted to show the patriotic feeling amongst mothers during WW1.

Answer explanation

Through 'Poppies', Weir shows that the quiet trauma of mothers during wartime is nonetheless painful or significant.

Which quote is suggestive of the son’s death and mother and son’s peace?

• "an ornamental stitch"

• "without a winter coat or reinforcements of scarf, gloves"

• "A split second and you were away"

• "a dove pulled freely against the sky"

Answer explanation

The fact the dove is "pull[ing] freely against the sky" could allude to the soldier going to heaven. "Doves" are symbolic of peace so this could represent being peaceful away from the pain of war.

Which line from the poem 'Poppies' shows the mother's nostalgia?

• "I rounded up as many white cat hairs as I could"

• "the world overflowing like a treasure chest"

• "hoping to hear your plagyground voice"

Answer explanation

The mother in 'Poppies' seems to long for the innocence of her son's childhood.

What could the textile imagery in 'Poppies' symbolise?

• The mother's contribution to the war effort

• The mother's love for her domestic routie

• The mother's longing to stay close to her son

Answer explanation

As well as the "stitch" representing the binding of the mother to her son, it could also represent the closeness the mother feels to her son when she is able to perform domestic tasks for him as this is her way of protecting him.