Final answer:
The crosses in "In Flanders Fields" can be connoted as symbols of sacrifice and markers of graves, representing the loss and the final resting place of soldiers. The comparison between both poems reveals a continued reverence and remembrance for those who died in war through symbols like the poppy.
Step-by-step explanation:
When examining the poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae, the crosses mentioned can have multiple connotative meanings. In the context of the poem and the surrounding subject matter, the two possible connotations for crosses are symbols of sacrifice and markers of graves. Crosses as symbols of sacrifice are reflective of the large number of lives lost during the war, representing the ultimate price paid by the soldiers. As markers of graves, they directly indicate the resting places of the fallen. Though representations of peace and signs of victory are also relevant to post-war reflections, these are not directly linked to the imagery of crosses within this poem.
Comparing McCrae's poem to "In Flanders Now" by Edna Jacques, the latter poem also acknowledges the human cost of war while looking forward with hope to the future. The crosses remain a potent symbol, and the legacy of those who perished continues to evoke a strong emotional response, especially during remembrance ceremonies that memorialize their courage and sacrifice. The poppy has also emerged as a symbol from these poems, representing the bloodshed but also the resilience of life, as they grew over the graves in Flanders fields.