Poetry Kamikaze Flashcards
‘a shaven head/full of powerful incantations’
‘a shaven head/full of powerful incantations’
‘shaven head’-Soldiers shaved their heads to show their readiness to fight/die; it was also meant to convey their dignity after death. There is a kind of purity associated with this where it is almost like their death will be their rebirth in the afterlife. It suggests a loss of identity here as becomes a part of the collective: the kamikaze pilots.
‘powerful incantinations’The metaphor suggests he has been indoctrinated into fighting/dying by those in power as an ‘incantation’ means to put a spell on someone or bewitch them. The pre-modifying adjective ‘powerful’ shows that the propaganda has rendered soldier’s like him powerless and convinced that their mission is a noble one. Alternatively, these ‘incantations’ could be affirmations - thoughts the pilot has to keep telling himself in order to ensure he goes through with the mission; an element of faith is required in this act/journey.
‘little fishing boats strung out like bunting’
‘little fishing boats strung out like bunting’
simile-Bunting is usually associated with celebrations or victories. There’s a sense of sadness here as no pilot is ever meant to return to so bunting will never be displayed for them. Perhaps, with its connection to celebrations, it reminds the pilot of what he stands to lose/miss out on if he fulfils his mission. Here he is, arguably, considering what it means to live and considering how life should be celebrated and not sacrificed in warfare. Perhaps the message is that we should seek solace in the power of nature, as a reminder that an otherwise bleak life still possesses beauty.
‘little fishing boats’-The calm and idyllic image he views from his plane juxtaposes the militaristic first stanza
‘he must have wondered
which had been the better way to die.’
‘he must have wondered
which had been the better way to die.’
The modal verb ‘must’ creates a bond between the pilot and the narrator as there is an attempt to deduce how he might have felt but this will never be known because he was rejected. There is a hint of desperation in the tone here as the narrator wants the reader to show the pilot mercy.
Tragic tone at end. If he had completed his mission he would have brought pride to his family/community but, because he returned, he is shunned and has brought shame to his family/community. The daughter doesn’t know the answer to this as they didn’t reunite. He metaphorically died by returning, which is emphasised by the final word ‘die’ and the end stop, which imply futility and inevitable death. His existence is entirely ignored and, by adopting the third person again, she wonders about her father’s own predicaments regarding the ‘better way to die.’ His return does not turn out to be what he imagined. All his efforts and sacrifices prove futile because his family and his community do not cherish his return but rather pass him scornful glances. The choice of individuality over commonality or herd mentality does not pay him well.
structure/form/context
Free verse – creates a serious tone. Represents the lack of freedom the pilot has when in the middle of his mission. Perhaps also represents the hostility he faces when he returns home and how is life is effectively ruined.
Enjambment – the poem flows rapidly to represent the movement of a kamikaze plane as it quickly spirals downwards. Links to how the pilot’s life spirals out of control after he goes against tradition.
Volta – ‘but’, ‘though’ – conflict in speakers mind and conflict with defying/dishonouring the culture.
He recognizes beauty of nature and life.
Pilots selected by powerful leaders to crash their planes into enemy as a final act of distraction. It was considered an honor in Japan to die for country.
