PowerPoint Presentation

Flag

John Agard

Have a copy of the poem in front of youTo be successfulWhat is the poem about?

What is the poem about?

The poem questions the purposes and value of a flag.

Agard explores the causes of conflict is it the flag or human beings?

Flags are important symbols they can unite a nation, but they can also create conflict.

What happens in the poem?

The speaker explores how flags can affect people.

In the first stanza, the flag is merely fluttering in the breeze.

As the poem continues it becomes a symbol of military power flying over a field.

The speaker ends with a warning to the reader - a flag can be a dangerous thing.

What does the poem mean?The poem suggests that a flag can:Control countriesMotivate peopleOutlive generationsUnite a nation

On the other hand, the poem warns that a flag can:Take away freedom of choice Destroy individual identityMake our consciences go blind

Flag

John Agard

Have a copy of the poem in front of youTo be successfulHow does the author use language, structure and form in the poem?How does the author use language and imagery in the poem?

How could we describe the voice?The speaker could be:

-Attracted by the flags power to bring a nation to its knees

-A pacifist rejecting the need to bleed for a flag.

-UrgentWritten in the present tense.

-RationalIts just a piece of cloth

-Bitterthat will outlive the blood you bleed.

Who do you think they are?

flutteringunfurlingrisingflying

Agard uses a range of verbs to explore the movement of the flag.The verbs become more active as the poem progresses. This mimics a flag being raised. The words also warns that a flags power to move people can also increase. By the time the flag is flying, blood is being spilt.

a piece of cloth

The Flag itself is a key imageThe art of making flags from symbolic images is the ancient art of heraldry.

brings a nation to its knees or military aggressionSuggests an almost religious devotionHow does the author use structure and form in the poem?

The poem appears simplistic and clear on the surface but we can read deeper meanings. In this way, the poem reflects the heraldic imagery of most flags.

Agard breaks the pattern in the final stanza to emphasise the final warning.

The poem has a simple, regular, format.The rhyme scheme reinforces this pattern.