Remains Flashcards
“On another occasion”
The anecdotal langauge (tone) suggests this is one of many events
“probably armed, possibly not”
“Possibly not” undermines severity of the statement, soilder has the power to decide whether to kill a possibly dangerous/innocent man
He uses the adverb “probably” first because this is what he believes happend, which provides him justification
“rips through his life”
Verb “rips” emphaises the speed in which life is taken in this conflictual situation
- also can be seen as speed of bullet
Graphic imagery
“tosses his guts back into his body”
The graphic and violent nature of the situation is juxtaposed to the relaxed way he is talking about the situation
“his bloody life in my bloody hands”
“Bloody” is a pun - it means hand are covered with blood, but it also means anger/hate
The soilder is at conflict with this dead man, but more with his mind
This quote ends the poem in a sense of despair and open ended showing no resolution.
What is the context of Remains?
This poem is written in the perspective of a soilder stationed in a warzone who kills a bank robber which may/may not have been armed. The rest of the poem focuses on the PTSD and mental stress of the character, which was very common in soilders.
What is the theme of Remains?
The poem is originally set in a warzone and addresses conflict in a direct manner.
However, it also focuses on the aftermath of conflict and the long-term effects it has on the individuals involved.
Power is also demonstrated in this, beginning with the soldiers’ control over life and death and progressing to their control over their own memory and experiences.
Mental health and morality are also important in this.
What is the structure of Remains?
The poem is written in 8 stanzas, the last of which is a couplet which leaves the poem on a dramatic end note.
The poem dosen’t rhymeg* and is a monolouge which uses controverisal asides
Lots of enjambment, cesura and coloquialism** to gives the sense of natural speech patters and realism
