poetry - remains Flashcards
“I swear I see every round as it rips through his life” - what is the meaning of the quote (technique and meaning)
Violent language. - The verb “rip” highlights the brutal nature of the attack.
Sensory language. - “I see” conveys a sense of the trauma it has caused the soldier, as though it is branded on his memory.
Present tense. The use of the present tense links in with the idea that this suffering is ongoing and he constantly re-plays the memories.
“And the drink and the drugs won’t flush him out” - what is the meaning of the quote (technique and meaning)
An indication of the speaker’s desperation to rid himself of the harrowing memories.
The verb “flush” is indicative of something that needs to be cleansed or disposed of, linking to the unpleasantness of his memories.
“Torn apart by a dozen rounds” - what is the meaning of the quote (technique and meaning)
Violent image. - Contrasts to ideas of peace and tranquillity, e.g. “sleep” and “dream”
“His blood-shadow stays on the street, and out on patrol” - what is the meaning of the quote (technique and meaning)
Metaphor. Indicates something dark that cannot be dispelled, a constant reminder of what he did.
“Probably armed, possibly not” - what is the meaning of the quote (technique and meaning)
Uncertain language.
Reminds readers of the doubt that soldiers must deal with. It links to the theme of guilt as there is an indication that the man who was killed was innocent.
Which
“His bloody life in my bloody hands” - what is the meaning of the quote (technique and meaning)
Repetition. Reinforces the sense of his frustration.
Bloody imagery. The image of having blood on his hands symbolises the guilt he is unable to rid himself of.
“Bloody” could also be interpreted as a swear word and mark his anger or regret.
“Well myself and somebody else and somebody else” - what is the meaning of the quote (techniques and meanings)
Colloquial language.
Shows that experiences, such as the one described, were common. The soldiers are almost desensitised to the horrors of conflict when they are immersed in it.
“Sort of inside out..tosses his guts back into his body” - what is the meaning of the quote (meaning and technique)
Gruesome image. Indicates the reality of war and the lack of glory or honour associated with such a job.
