Remains

Question 1

Key theme/surface meaning?

Answer 1

set in a war zone, looks at the after affects of conflict and the long-term effects it has on the people involved. Mental health and morality are key themes.

Question 2

Deeper meaning?

Answer 2

The colloquial nature of the speaker’s voice is used to create a sense of heightened realism to the piece.
The poet suggests a conflict in the speaker’s mind, an avoidance of the reality of what happened which haunts him.

War leaves mental and physical scars, consequences are permanent. In war, fairness doesn’t matter. In war, human dignity and normal behaviour is disregarded.

Question 3

Quote 1 and explanation?

Answer 3

‘probably armed, possibly not’ - Aside ‘possibly not’ undermines severity of the statement, if he was not armed should he have been shot? He has the power to decide. Judgemental

Question 4

Quote 2 and explanation?

Answer 4

‘I see every round as it rips through his life’ - Graphic Hyperbole used to demonstrate the lack of glory or honour in this killing, it is not pretty but still very matter of fact, ptsd

Question 5

Quote 3 and explanation?

Answer 5

‘ his bloody life in my bloody hands’ - double entendre, could mean metaphorical blood or cursing, ptsd, frustrated, responsibility

Question 6

Structure?

Answer 6

Informal poem - monologue to show his genuine thoughts and feelings, war in Iraq, sense of realism, enjambment and caesura used to emphasise neutral speech and mentality

Question 7

Poet?

Answer 7

Armitage