The Manhunt

Question 1

Form and Structure

Answer 1

Variation in rhyme scheme within the 13 couplets
Reinforces the idea of a couple searching for the loving and dear relationship they lost as Laura tries to understand the depth of Eddy’s scars
Begs the question : will they ever rhyme again?
Faltering rhyme scheme - uncertain future ; “fractured rudder of shoulder blade” LINK TO LANGUAGE
Architecturally speaking - you could say the first 6 stanzas primarily describing Eddie’ physical injuries (with an emotional undertone)
Then next 6 stanzas portray Laura desperately trying to come close yet realising these physical wounds are far deeper than she imagined - scan of this “sweating, unexplored mine”
Odd 13th stanza with 2 full stops - maybe emphasising how she has still only “come close” and this is a process that has only just begun

Question 2

Frozen river and stanza 1

Answer 2

“Trace the frozen river” - literal level representing the zig zag scar across his face
Verb “trace” - loving delicacy
Adjective “frozen” - suggests something which can no longer flow freely ; psychological and emotional wound bottled up within, he is unable to express emotion to Laura
Stark contrast with “intimate days” stanza 1 - coldness separates them on opposite sides of a river YET there lies hope underneath the river thee is fluidity and the capacity to express and to allow Laura to enter

Question 3

Disabled function

Answer 3

“Blown hinge” - similar to frozen river introduces idea of articulation and lack of communication
“Fractured rudder” - unable to navigate through life anymore and unable to sustain himself without collapsing ; directionless ship and Laura must help guide him… uncertain future backed by faltering rhyme scheme

Question 4

Verbs

Answer 4

Alliterates “handle and hold” - exemplifies how Laura is trying to hold Eddie together just like the alliteration holds these two words together ; suggests the delicacy of Laura’s approach… does not want to worsen his injuries
“Only then” ANAPHORA - continually remind the reader how painstaking each task is - constant renewal of effort

Question 5

Phase 2 (scan and emotional)

Answer 5

“Bind the struts” - step by step process reflected in rung like architectural layout of poem
Image of g”grazed heart” reinforces image of “foetus of metal” - reveals his internal pain and Laura is acting as a radiologist interpreting the visible signs of a scan revealing the internal damage as if it was a foetus ; very vulnerable and contrast heavily with the violence of war
Image of foetus could also hint towards the possibility of a fresh and renewed life if the rehabilitation is successful (strong rhyme with “chest” and “rest” may fix the end of the bullet’s travel)
Foetus - uncertain outcome with very high risk, damage could grow ; builds up to the “sweating unexplored mine”
The mine is a lethal psychological consequence that threatens to explode - PTSD of time in Bosnia ; writes the poem as a 2007 series for the “Forgotten Heroes : the not dead”
Sibilants of “sweating”, “scarring” and “source” produces a menacing effect ; coupled with half rhyme of “mine” and “mind”

Question 6

Stanza 13

Answer 6

Phrase “tightened and closed” could possibly mirror how the couple’s rehabilitation process will have both ups and downs ; Eddie’s injuries are not merely somatic but are inextricably psychologically connected (“every nerve in his body”) - also internal and concealed
They still have a long way to go - but with Laura’s determination and empathy… there is hope (all of Laura’s previous efforts have been preliminaries)