2. Kamikaze - Beatrice Garland Flashcards
The enjambment shows the lonely silence of the kamikaze pilot, as well as him beginning to change his mind.
“A one way journey into history/ But half-way there.”
The image of his family and the safety of his home helps to change his mind.
“Bring their father’s boat safe […] safe to the shore.”
The last line is a rhetorical question about whether literal or metaphorical death would be better.
“Which had been the better way to die”
The vivid imagery shows how the pilot feels like he’s under a spell, as they were told it was a great honour to die for their country.
“Powerful incantations”
The simile is ironic because bunting is traditionally used for celebrations, but he’s in war - the complete opposite of a celebration.
“Strung out like bunting”
What language is used in Kamikaze?
- Irony: The way he’s treated when he returns to his family is ironic, because they act as though he’s dead, even though he chose not to die.
- Natural imagery: Similes, metaphors and description are used to emphasise the beauty and power of nature
- Direct speech: The poem seems more personal.
What is the context of Kamikaze?
A Kamikaze was a Japanese war pilot who was sent on suicide missions. Although Garland herself is not Japanese, she is interested on showing how conflict can change a person forever.
