Chainsaw Versus The Pampus Grass Flashcards
Chainsaw Versus The Pampus Grass key themes/ideas
Masculinity vs femininity
The consequences of suppression of masculinity in modern society- extended metaphor
All winter unplugged,/ grinding its teeth/ under the hatch in the floor
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
Knocked part a quarter-pint of engine oil
Colloquial language used in reference to male drinking culture - appearance of masculinity resurfacing
Weightless, wreckage of wasps and flies
Alliteration emphasises the chainsaw’s destruction (manmade)
Orange power line
Colour imagery links to the ideas of male hostility and danger
Like powder from a keg
Image of explosiveness and potential for destruction that the chainsaw/masculinity holds
Clipped/dropped/gunned
Dynamic verbs display the destructive nature of the chainsaw
Just an instant rage,
Caesura emphasises the release of aggression from the chainsaw - immediate release
Perfect disregard
Depicts the chainsaw’s callous and careless nature as it destroys nature - finds enjoyment in the momentary release of rage
Cloth, or jewellery, or hair
Destruction to the juxtaposing feminine and delicate image of nature
Flesh/ bones/ kick/ rear
Animal imagery depicts the primal and aggressive actions of the chainsaw’s fury - almost uncontrollable
Drumming/ gargle
Onomatopoeia highlights the sudden purge and outburst of chainsaws emotions after the suppression
Ludicrous feathers/ warmth and light
The image of nature is a lot more peaceful despite the attacks of the chainsaw
Twelve-foot spears
Nature is still armed and defensive against the threat of the chainsaw - natures power
Probably all that was needed here was a good pull or shove/ or a pitchfork to lever it out at its base
Mocking the chainsaw’s release of aggression as being needless and excessive
I
I dabbed/ dismissed
The active verbs have become more euphemistic and gentle which reveals the chainsaws sense of shame towards its actions
Cut and rakes, cut and raked
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
Blade became choked with soil or fouled with weeds
Nature is now associated with the active verbs instead which reveals its overpowering of the manmade - makes its actions futile
Cutting at water or air with a knife
Highlights the pointlessness of the chainsaw’s actions - can never destroy the natural world
I went out. Left it at that.
Short utterance emphasises the final defeat of the chainsaw against nature as if surrenders and realises its violence was futile
New shoots like asparagus tips/ riding high
Nature will never be defeated - will inevitably grow back and the active verbs demonstrate its reversal in power
dynamics
Wearing a new crown
The image of regality and importance placed upon nature’s triumph over the manmade
Corn in Egypt
Biblical reference to the idea of abundance and everlasting power associated with nature
Hook the chainsaw seethed
The chainsaw is still unsatisfied but decides to return to suppressing its masculinity and restraining its anger - sense of defeat
Seamless urge to persist
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
It didn’t exist/ this was a game
Callous and uncaring nature of the chainsaw - quickly destroys nature (abrupt)
Overkill.
Soft Volta - moment of realisation for the chainsaw as it realises its actions are rather futile and excessive
