Kamakazi poem Flashcards
“Shoals of fishes flashing silver”
The beauty of nature caused the pilot to rethink his decision, did he want to leave this world?
“Turbulent inrush”
Shows how humans are at the mercy of nature, the waves could easily cause a boat to crash.
“This was no longer the father we loved”
The war has broken up the family, he is no longer the father they loved, he is a coward and an embarrassment to the family.
He has changed since he came back, he is no longer a respectable figure, he is a disgrace to the family.
Families patriotism was so strong they were so embarrassed that they just ignored him.
Suggests his identity changed after he came back from the mission
“Which had been the better way to die”
The father is left feeling as if he would have rather died, patriotism has caused his family to abandon him.
He decided family was more important than country but his family didn’t.
“As though he no longer existed”
Even though he didn’t die in the war their shame means that they effectively lost him anyway.
Ironic, he survived the mission but after returning he was treated as if he was dead, he is alone, everyone ignores him.
“Remembered how he and his brothers” “loose silver of whitebait”
He remembers his childhood and how beautiful the world is.
“Bringing their father’s boat safe … safe”
Repetition of “safe” suggests he didn’t want his children to go through losing him.
He wants to feel safe too, he doesn’t really want to die. He believes his children want him to return safely as well, like him and his brothers wanted their father to.
“My mother never spoke again in his presence”
The memory is painful and embarrassing for the other family members, they feel as if their reputation has been ruined.
“Head full of powerful incantations”
This is an example of the propaganda that the government would use to promote “patriotism.”
“Shaven head”
links to dedication and new life
Green blue translucent sea
Positive imagery from the semantic field of colour, shows how the pilot was reminded how amazing life is. Was a factor that made him turn around and change his mind
