Chainsaw Versus The Pampus Grass

Question 1

Chainsaw Versus The Pampus Grass key themes/ideas

Answer 1

Masculinity vs femininity

The consequences of suppression of masculinity in modern society- extended metaphor

Question 2

All winter unplugged,/ grinding its teeth/ under the hatch in the floor

Answer 2

The repeated dynamic and active verbs in the poem are associated with the Chainsaw’s aggression that’s been built up in its time of repression - hidden away

Question 3

Knocked part a quarter-pint of engine oil

Answer 3

Colloquial language used in reference to male drinking culture - appearance of masculinity resurfacing

Question 4

Weightless, wreckage of wasps and flies

Answer 4

Alliteration emphasises the chainsaw’s destruction (manmade)

Question 5

Orange power line

Answer 5

Colour imagery links to the ideas of male hostility and danger

Question 6

Like powder from a keg

Answer 6

Image of explosiveness and potential for destruction that the chainsaw/masculinity holds

Question 7

Clipped/dropped/gunned

Answer 7

Dynamic verbs display the destructive nature of the chainsaw

Question 8

Just an instant rage,

Answer 8

Caesura emphasises the release of aggression from the chainsaw - immediate release

Question 9

Perfect disregard

Answer 9

Depicts the chainsaw’s callous and careless nature as it destroys nature - finds enjoyment in the momentary release of rage

Question 10

Cloth, or jewellery, or hair

Answer 10

Destruction to the juxtaposing feminine and delicate image of nature

Question 11

Flesh/ bones/ kick/ rear

Answer 11

Animal imagery depicts the primal and aggressive actions of the chainsaw’s fury - almost uncontrollable

Question 12

Drumming/ gargle

Answer 12

Onomatopoeia highlights the sudden purge and outburst of chainsaws emotions after the suppression

Question 13

Ludicrous feathers/ warmth and light

Answer 13

The image of nature is a lot more peaceful despite the attacks of the chainsaw

Question 14

Twelve-foot spears

Answer 14

Nature is still armed and defensive against the threat of the chainsaw - natures power

Question 15

Probably all that was needed here was a good pull or shove/ or a pitchfork to lever it out at its base

Answer 15

Mocking the chainsaw’s release of aggression as being needless and excessive

Question 18

I

Question 19

I dabbed/ dismissed

Answer 19

The active verbs have become more euphemistic and gentle which reveals the chainsaws sense of shame towards its actions

Question 20

Cut and rakes, cut and raked

Answer 20

Repetition of the active verbs create a sense of monotony and pointlessness to the chainsaw’s actions and aggression as they are presented as being futile against nature - doesn’t get the same catharsis from the beginning

Question 21

Blade became choked with soil or fouled with weeds

Answer 21

Nature is now associated with the active verbs instead which reveals its overpowering of the manmade - makes its actions futile

Question 22

Cutting at water or air with a knife

Answer 22

Highlights the pointlessness of the chainsaw’s actions - can never destroy the natural world

Question 23

I went out. Left it at that.

Answer 23

Short utterance emphasises the final defeat of the chainsaw against nature as if surrenders and realises its violence was futile

Question 24

New shoots like asparagus tips/ riding high

Answer 24

Nature will never be defeated - will inevitably grow back and the active verbs demonstrate its reversal in power
dynamics

Question 25

Wearing a new crown

Answer 25

The image of regality and importance placed upon nature’s triumph over the manmade

Question 26

Corn in Egypt

Answer 26

Biblical reference to the idea of abundance and everlasting power associated with nature

Question 27

Hook the chainsaw seethed

Answer 27

The chainsaw is still unsatisfied but decides to return to suppressing its masculinity and restraining its anger - sense of defeat

Question 28

Seamless urge to persist

Answer 28

The cyclical nature of the consequences of male suppression of anger - highlights its futility as it will never defeat nature Likewise masculinity in society is no longer as open - remains caged and will never win

Question 29

It didn’t exist/ this was a game

Answer 29

Callous and uncaring nature of the chainsaw - quickly destroys nature (abrupt)

Question 30

Overkill.

Answer 30

Soft Volta - moment of realisation for the chainsaw as it realises its actions are rather futile and excessive