In Depth Context

Question 1

Remains

Answer 1

These are poems of survivors the damaged, exhausted men who returned from war in body but never wholly in mind

Prom coincides with PTSD amongst military and aroused sympathy to many whom opposed to war

Question 2

Charge of the light brigade

Answer 2

Poet laureate, he had a responsibility to inspire nation and portray war in positive light aka propaganda

Although glorifies soldiers who took part he also draws attention to the fact that the commander had made mistake- someone had blundered

This was controversial point to make in Victorian times when blind devotion to power was expected

Question 3

Kamikaze

Answer 3

Cowardice or surrender was great shame in Japan

To surrender meant shame for you and family

Question 4

Exposure

Answer 4

Written 1917 before own went to win military cross

1918 poem has authenticity as written by actual soldier

My theme is war and the pity of war

Despite highlighting the tragedy of war and mistakes of senior commanders he had a deep sense of duty (not loath, we lie out here)

Question 5

Poppies

Answer 5

Set around time of Iraq and Afghan wars but conflict ambiguous

Hints of critical tone about soldiers becoming ‘intoxicated’ by glamour or military

Question 6

Bayonet charge

Answer 6

Published 1957 but most likely set in WW1

Hughes father survived

Draws contrast between idealism of patriotism and reality (king honour human dignity etcetera)

Question 7

Emigree

Answer 7

Published 1993

Home of speaker not identified

Increasingly relevant to many people

Question 8

Prelude

Answer 8

Published shortly after death

Long poem that was based on true story

Like Percy Shelly, was a romantic poet exploring nature and human emotions