communication Flashcards
overview
“After the first phase, after passionate nights and intimate days,”
The poem begins with “After the first phase, after passionate nights and intimate days,” immediately establishing a contrast between past intimacy and present distance. The phrase “first phase” suggests a transition, implying that their relationship has changed, possibly due to the husband’s experiences in war. The adjectives “passionate” and “intimate” highlight the closeness they once shared, but the use of past tense creates a sense of nostalgia, reinforcing the idea that their connection has faded. The repetition of “after” slows the pace of the poem, mirroring how communication between them is now hesitant and fragile. The tone here is wistful and reflective, as the speaker longs for the emotional closeness they once had.
Only then would he let me trace the frozen river which ran through his face”
As the poem progresses, the wife carefully attempts to understand her husband’s pain. The line “Only then would he let me trace the frozen river which ran through his face” introduces a metaphor that symbolises emotional detachment. A “frozen river” suggests that his emotions are locked away, frozen and inaccessible due to trauma. The verb “trace” conveys a sense of tenderness, as if she is delicately trying to navigate his pain. The repetition of “only then” throughout the poem reinforces the slow and conditional nature of their communication—he will only open up at his own pace. The enjambment in this line mirrors the speaker’s continuous effort to bridge the gap between them, while the soft yet cold imagery creates a tone of sadness and patience.
“The blown hinge of his lower jaw.”
The theme of communication as a struggle is further reinforced in The theme of communication as a struggle is further reinforced in “The blown hinge of his lower jaw.” A hinge is a mechanism that allows movement, and its damage suggests that his ability to express himself has been impaired. The adjective “blown” carries violent connotations, alluding to the injuries he may have suffered in war, but also symbolising how his trauma has metaphorically “blown apart” his ability to communicate. The isolated, short sentence structure of this line forces the reader to pause, mimicking the fragmented nature of their communication. The harsh, mechanical imagery contrasts with the earlier intimate descriptions, suggesting that his trauma has made him emotionally distant and unresponsive
The next line, “The damaged, porcelain collar-bone,” further develops the theme of fragile communication. The noun “porcelain” is often associated with beauty and delicacy but also with fragility, reinforcing the idea that both his body and emotional state are easily broken. The adjective “damaged” implies that he is no longer whole, mirroring the strain on their relationship. This could also suggest that communication between them, once strong and natural, is now weak and easily fractured. The use of enjambment reflects the wife’s ongoing attempt to understand his pain, while the tender tone suggests that despite these difficulties, she remains patient and devoted.
“The parachute silk of his punctured lung”
The metaphor “The parachute silk of his punctured lung” further explores the idea of broken communication. A parachute is meant to provide safety and support, but since it is “punctured,” it is now useless. This could symbolise how the husband no longer feels emotionally safe enough to open up, or how the comfort and stability that communication once provided in their relationship has been lost. The juxtaposition between “silk,” which is soft and delicate, and “punctured,” which implies injury and loss, highlights the emotional conflict within him—he may want to communicate but feels unable to. The verb “punctured” also has connotations of pain and vulnerability, suggesting that communication is not only difficult but also painful for him. The tone here is mournful, as the wife realises how deeply his trauma has affected his ability to connect with her.
“Then, and only then, did I come close,”
The final line, “Then, and only then, did I come close,” leaves the poem on an unresolved note, reinforcing the idea that communication after trauma is a long and uncertain process. The repetition of “then, and only then” suggests that progress is gradual and conditional—he will only open up when he is ready. The phrase “come close” implies that despite her patience and effort, she has not fully reached him, leaving the reader with a sense of emotional distance and unfinished healing. The structure of the poem builds towards this moment, but instead of closure, we are left with ambiguity, mirroring the unpredictable nature of recovery and communication in relationships affected by trauma. The tone here is bittersweet, reflecting both hope and the lingering sense that their connection is still incomplete.
conclusion
Through the use of metaphor, repetition, and enjambment, The Manhunt presents communication as a delicate and complex process, deeply affected by trauma. The poem’s structure and imagery highlight how emotional wounds can create barriers to expression, requiring patience and care to overcome. The wife’s persistent but cautious approach shows that love and understanding can help rebuild communication, but it is not an easy or immediate process. Armitage leaves the poem open-ended, reminding the reader that some wounds may never fully heal, and that true connection requires time, effort, and acceptance.
