kamikaze Flashcards
1
Q
context for kamikaze
A
- set during World War II, specifically in Japan, where the kamikaze pilots were revered as national heroes. The poem challenges the traditional glorification of the kamikaze pilots and instead delves into the complex psychological and emotional turmoil experienced by an individual pilot and the lasting consequences it has on his life and relationships.
- offers a deeper understanding of the individual behind the uniform, exploring the themes of sacrifice, societal expectations, and the conflict between personal desires and duty. It encourages readers to question the narratives of heroism and nationalism often associated with war, highlighting the profound human experience and moral dilemmas faced by those involved in such extreme acts.
- practised crashing military planes into allied warships
2
Q
irony of the title
A
- the irony lies in the contrast between the traditional perception of kamikaze pilots as heroic figures sacrificing themselves for their country’s honor and the underlying human struggles and doubts faced by the pilot in question.
- The title “Kamikaze” sets up an expectation for a narrative of self-sacrifice and unwavering loyalty, which is subverted as the poem unfolds.
- By employing this ironic title, Beatrice Garland challenges the simplistic and glorified portrayal of kamikaze pilots, instead presenting a nuanced exploration of the individual’s inner turmoil and the complexities of human nature in the face of extreme circumstances. The title serves as a gateway to questioning and reevaluating preconceived notions of heroism and the true cost of war.
3
Q
“her father”
A
- establishes duality of the fathers identity, both a soldier to his country and a father
- we learn as we go through the poem that these two identities cannot coexist, as they imply a split in loyalty, which cant be reconciled
4
Q
significance of the enjambment in the poem
A
- By carrying the reader from one line to the next without interruption, the enjambment reflects the pilot’s wavering thoughts and emotional turmoil. It portrays the continuous struggle between duty and personal desires, as well as the tension between societal expectations and individual conscience.
- propels the narrative forward, creating a sense of movement and progression. It reflects the pilot’s journey and the sequence of events leading up to his decision. The flow from one line to the next without interruption adds momentum to the story, as if the poem itself is taking flight alongside the pilot.
5
Q
plosive sounds “powerful” “full” “journey” “incantations”
A
- bursting of rhythmic energy
- conveys the fathers raw and enthusiastic anticipation
- emphasizes the intensity and impact of the pilot’s decision to embark on a kamikaze mission. These sounds evoke a sense of power, determination, and the weight of historical significance.
6
Q
“one way journey into history”
A
- metaphorical language technique to convey the profound nature of the pilot’s mission. By comparing it to a “one-way journey into history,” the poet emphasizes the gravity and significance of the kamikaze pilot’s decision. It suggests that the pilot’s sacrifice will become a defining moment in the historical narrative, leaving an indelible mark on the collective memory.
- The use of the phrase “one-way journey” serves as a euphemism to soften the harsh reality of the kamikaze pilot’s mission, which is essentially a suicide mission. The choice of this euphemism reflects a cultural and societal tendency to frame the pilots’ actions in a more positive light, highlighting their selflessness and commitment to their country
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7
Q
“the little fishing boats strung out like bunting…on a green blue translucent sea”
A
- simile . Bunting is typically associated with celebration, joy, and a sense of festivity. By likening the boats to bunting, the poet juxtaposes the everyday activity of fishing with the idea of celebration, perhaps hinting at the contrast between the peacefulness of the fishing village and the impending turmoil of the kamikaze mission.
- The fishing boats can be seen as symbolic representations of the ordinary and mundane aspects of life. They represent the routine and peaceful existence of the fishing community, highlighting the contrast with the extraordinary and momentous decision made by the pilot. The boats, strung out like bunting, symbolize the interconnectedness of the community and the collective identity that the pilot is leaving behind
- “on a green blue translucent sea” employs sensory imagery to evoke a vivid and immersive description of the sea. The colors “green” and “blue” conjure images of a serene and clear body of water, while the word “translucent” adds a sense of transparency and purity. Through these visual descriptions, the poet creates a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere, emphasizing the beauty of the natural surroundings.
Symbolism: The mention of fishing boats carries symbolic meaning. Fishing boats are often associated with livelihood, sustenance, and the connection between humans and nature. In this context, the presence of the fishing boats symbolizes the harmony between humans and the sea, as well as the reliance on the sea for survival. This symbolism adds depth to the poem’s exploration of the pilot’s decision to turn back from his kamikaze mission and reject the societal expectations placed upon him.
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8
Q
“like a huge flag waved first one way then the other in a figure of eight”
A
- The image of the flag being waved “first one way then the other in a figure of eight” creates a sense of movement and unpredictability. The figure-eight motion adds a dynamic quality to the image, representing the pilot’s wavering thoughts, indecision, or internal conflict. It suggests a back-and-forth movement, as if the pilot is torn between opposing forces such as duty and personal desires
- flag represents patriotism, fish represent life on one hand, but on the other, they represent the sacrifice he needs to make for his flag
- “figure of eight” - infinity, hes imagining his death and presumably living forever immortally as a hero, but at the same time, infinity is eternal death, so hes also imagining the absence of life forever
- a figure of eight also returns on itself, reflecting the inner conflict the pilot has, changing his mind etc
9
Q
“the loose silver whitebait and once a tuna, the dark prince, muscular,dangerous
A
- Biblical allusion - in the west, silver has always represented betrayal, as Judas, one of the 12 disciples, betrayed Jesus to the Romans in exchange for 30 pieces of silver
- “loose” reinforces this idea, loose morality, loose coins
- “the dark prince” could symbolise the Japanese royal family, who are effectively condemning these men to go to their deaths and sacrifice themselves for their countries
- it equally could symbolise the subversive act that her father does by not killing himself, so his act is protest against throwing his life away pointlessly, so “dark” and “dangerous” could symbolise the punishment from society, but the decision he made is a strong and “muscular” one
10
Q
“only we children still chattered and laughed”
A
- The line establishes a contrast between the actions of the children and the seriousness of the kamikaze mission. While the adults and society may have been consumed by the weight of the pilot’s decision, the children remain unaffected by the gravity of the situation. They continue to engage in lighthearted chatter and laughter, emphasizing their innocence, ignorance, and the stark difference in their understanding of the world.
- The use of the word “only” at the beginning of the line suggests a sense of isolation or separateness. The children’s laughter and chatter stand out as a stark contrast to the prevailing somberness. This contrast underscores the weight and gravity of the pilot’s mission, highlighting the divide between the child’s perspective and the more complex and serious adult world.
11
Q
“till gradually we too learned to be silent”
A
- “gradually” shows how unnatural it was for the children to disown their father, they couldnt do it suddenly. this implies that the japanese culture at the time was doing something painful and wrong, and it takes a long time for the children to adjust to it. unnatural nature also reinforced by the word “learned”, line implies that the children’s silence is not an inherent trait but something they acquire
- daughter could be reflecting on her decision and how it was wrong
- The transition from chatter and laughter to silence suggests a maturation process for the children. It represents a loss of innocence as they confront the harsh realities of the world. They are no longer shielded from the seriousness of the situation and must come to terms with the sacrifices made by individuals like the kamikaze pilot. The learning to be silent can be seen as a poignant metaphor for the children’s growth and their realization of the weight of the pilot’s decision
12
Q
“and sometimes, she said, he must have wondered which had been the better way to die”
A
- “he must have wondered”, suggests daughter hasnt spoken to her father about his decision, even though hes lived on many years afterwards, because the memory is too painful for him
- “which had been the better way to die” suggests that he has died emotionally, in the family, meaning that he has never been accepted back, the family have permanently ostracised him
- however, returning to “yes grandfathers boat” suggests that pilot has not faced an ultimate death, it only lasted while his wife was alive. perhaps the other children havent accepted him, but this daughter had, cpnsidering shes retelling the story to her own children
13
Q
more context on japan
A
- bombed twice in the 40s, in Nagasaki and Hiroshima, but by 70s it was a superpower. so just as Japan didnt die, the childrens grandfather didnt either
- poem is about hope and how cultures can change and dont have to be locked into old ways. losing the war could have enabled this change in culture
14
Q
form analysis kamikaze
A
- free verse, natural speech, as though it becomes a monologue from “he must have looked far down”, makes it feel more like a story shes telling, with a moral or a lesson to learn at the end of it, that we shouldnt kill members of our own family, instead give them life and protection
- the lack of form could also suggest how the family did not give the father his true form as a father, they denied him of his identity
- attempting to create a form with the regular six lines stanzas, which could reflect how shes trying to give a new identity and a new form to her father by establishing him as the “grandfather” to her children
