Poetry - Other Poems Context Flashcards
War Photographer
Intrigued with a challenge war photographer’s faced - recording horrific events without being able to do anything to help the subjects. Depicts the terrible pain and suffering of those in conflict, which we have become desensitised to - victims are mere statistics to us but the suffering is etched into the photographer’s mind. Often leaves readers to create their own images of horror, giving only clues.
The Charge of the Light Brigade
Tennyson was predominantly against the idea of war (thinly veiled disgust at the treatment of the men) but presents that taking orders and dying for one’s country is honourable. Aim to create a lasting memory of the bravery of the anonymous men in the Light Brigade, clear respect is shown and clear attempts to cement their legacy.
The Prelude
Romantic - concept of sublime, feeling of ‘awe’ experienced when encountering the power of nature, connection between human emotion and nature - and the way human identity and character is shaped by experience. Spiritual and mystical atmosphere through the idea of loneliness. Epic poetry - lengthy, narrative poem that details extraordinary feats.
Storm on the Island
Stormont - Northern Ireland’s parliament buildings, the ‘storm’ could be about some of the violent political disturbances Ireland has experienced. Reflect upon ‘The Troubles’ which plague the country throughout his early adulthood - violence spilled during conflict when two factions fought over the constitutional status of the country.
Bayonet Charge
Depicts soldier for a few seconds, desperately charging into battle, pauses on the battlefield to consider his role in war. A hare gets thrown infant of him and is dying and suffering which jolts him back to consciousness, reverts to his instincts and runs toward battle in fear. Hughes grew up in a post-war era but the poem is set in WW1. Poems are a way for him to make sense of events he never saw but whose impacts were seen daily - his father fought in WW1 which left him emotionally traumatised for life. Wanted to highlight brutality of warfare as a tribute to his father’s suffering as well as a way to memorialise war as a warning for future generations.
My Last Duchess
Contains political message and a criticism of the inequality of those in power. Sets poem in another era and country which helped disguise the criticism and makes readers more open to accepting his message, this makes his subverted msg more convincing and displays the cyclic way history finds itself repeating.
Poppies
A mother recalls caring for her son and reminisces about his childhood before it is revealed he is no longer there. Weir had two sons which may have influenced her desire to explore what caused young boys to go to war and fight. Poppies grew in battlefields and she uses these symbols to establish from the outset that the poem is an act of remembrance.
Tissue
Extended metaphor for life to show that although fragile, humans have a large power to change things. First in a collection called ‘the terrorist at my table’ which is focused on global politics, extremism, religion so acts as a preface to explore the source of fundamentalism. Presents the idea that humans do not have the right attitude to life, we see it as permanent and an opportunity ti gain power. Critical view may be reflective of her having to see her husband suffer with cancer for 11 years before dying which may have demonstrated to her the temporary nature of life.
Remains
Soldier is haunted by his involvement shooting a bank looter - explores the repercussions of war and raises awareness of PTSD. Written for ‘the not dead’, documentary which focussed on the impact of war on soldiers returning home. Coincided with changing public opinion as people were starting to oppose war. As a result of modern conflicts, e..g. Iraq war seen as unnecessary and potentially due to US oil greed, the public and military started to recognise PTSD. Poem helped indicate sympathy.
