Flag

Flag

1. What is the poem about ?

   • The poem is about the power of a national flag. It also asks why do we go to war over a flag. We know this as he calls it 'cloth' and 'just' showing disrespect.
   • Its presented as a conversation between a naïve questioner and a more sceptical responder.
   • One character asks a question and the other responds, 'first line'
   • When the person responds he explains that the flag has the power to make people fight wars and die.

2. Form

   • The second lines in each stanze are the shortest each time,creating a blunt and cynical tone.
   • The first and third lines rhyme in all except thye last stanza- this links the question and answer and helps to make the alst word in each stanza significant.
   • Throughout in there is a strong bond between the two voices in the poem. Breaks in the third. Ends on rhyming couplet. The argument of the poem has been developing.

3. Structure

   • in each stanza the questioner asks about a flag an national symbol of patriotism
   • The voice answering explains the powers a flag can have over people.
   • The final stanza is slightly different the question changes and the final answer is the most cynical. This is that a flag is so dangerous as it has power over man

4. Repitition

   • The question at the start of the first 4 stanzas has the same sentence structure with the question mark
   • 'Just a piece of cloth'
   • That is repeated to make sure that we are reminded od the flag the entire way through the poem.
   • 'blood you bleed' Alliteration emphasis reality of war and death.