kamikaze Flashcards
what is it about
The poem Kamikaze explores a daughter’s reflection on her connection and relationship to her father who was a Kamikaze pilot in WWII and decided not to complete his suicide mission. It follows her train of thought as she thinks about the journey her father would have made to go on the mission and she relates her father’s experience to the natural beauty of the world. It also delves into the situation which occurred when her father returned home and was shunned by his family due to the cultural expectations placed upon them in Japan
context on author
Garland includes John Donne, John Clare and Seamus Heaney as some of her writing inspirations, and has won prizes for her poetry. When writing the poem Kamikaze, she was inspired into looking into the motivations as to why people wanted to die for their country
significance of time it was written
During WWII, Japanese kamikaze pilots flew manned suicide missions into military targets (e.g. ships), using planes filled with explosives. Soldiers and pilots were taught it was the only way to change the direction of the war (Japan losing), and they had to take part in this last resort. Very well trained pilots would volunteer to die, but towards the end of the war the military would have to recruit people and shun those who refuse
structure
The structure reflects the theme of conflict within the poem: ● The poem is structured into tightly controlled stanza lengths of 6 lines, which perhaps reflects the order and obedience expected of a soldier. ● This structure is juxtaposed and undermined by the free verse and enjambment.
The attempts of freedom within the confines of the strict stanza structure suggests her father had his own desires, roles and individuality within the constrictions put in place by the Japanese government. The free verse and enjambment could also show that he is starting to doubt his obedience and realised he wants to pursue the freedom and beauty of life unrestrained. This reminds the reader, and perhaps society, that the soldiers depicted in the poem are still individuals. This structural juxtaposition also could reflect the conflict between military commitment and cultural pride, and desire for life and freedom
main idea 1
imbalance between humanity and nature
’ a tuna, the dark prince, muscular , dangerous ‘
Imbalance of power between humanity and nature. Even a kamikaze pilot – the epitome of bravery – sense the danger of it. Pilot (symbol of military power and determination) is not the most dangerous thing in the poem – a fish is= Metaphor – it is a prince – important and significant – deserving of respect and honour (like a soldier) Emphasise its significance by using first punctuation in poem (first full stop) Signal it is deserving of notice.
nature is shown as overpowering over the traditional family values, societal expectations
main idea 2
identity
’ nor did she meet his eyes’
Wouldn’t “meet his eyes” – eyes are the windows to the soul. Doesn’t want to see the person he has become – ashamed of her own husband. Doesn’t want to communicate with him – distance herself from him as her daughter will. Thus the impact of conflict is ongoing – passed down from generation to generation. OR doesn’t want to face what she is doing – feels guilty – painful to give up her husband but has no choice because her culture demands it.
he is dehumanised due to societal shame and pressure
main idea 3
patriotism, triumph,
‘her father embarked on sunrse’
nationalistic imagery
placing emphasis on japanese values
Japan is known as the land of the rising sun. Embark means to get on but also to begin something – he is beginning a new chapter of his life – both choices lead to a type of death He is under the spell of patriotism and propaganda Not making his own decisions – his decision would be to keep living
“embark” means to get on but also to begin something, the father is beginning a new chapter of his life through rejecting his role as a kamikaze pilot. The speaker sees patriotism within nature, such as the fish which are “like a huge flag”. This simile shows that the father and his family are indoctrinated by Japanese culture and societal norms which is why he believes dying is the right thing to do. This illustrates to the
