The Manhunt - Context Flashcards
1
Q
Who wrote the poem?
A
Simon Armitage - a highly celebrated contemporary poet
2
Q
When was the poem written?
A
2007
3
Q
What was this poem written for?
A
- a documentary called ‘Forgotten Heroes: The Not Dead’
- the documentary looks at how war affects ex-soldiers, particularly those involved in recent conflicts
4
Q
What is the poem about?
A
- the wife of a soldier gets to know her husband again after he returns home injured from war. This poem is sometimes subtitled ‘Laura’s poem’ - Laura (the soldier’s wife) is the speaker
- her husband has physical scars from the injuries he sustained in war
- he also has psychological ‘scars’ as a result of his traumatic experiences
- the poem progresses from describing the scars on his body to explaining his mental ‘scars’ and how they affect him
- he is weak both mentally and physically -> relationship suffers as a result
5
Q
Whose perspective is this poem written in?
A
- Laura Beddoes
- wife of Eddie Beddoes
6
Q
Who is this poem about?
A
- in Laura’s perspective - Eddie Beddoes’ wife
- about Eddie Beddoes
7
Q
Who is Eddie Beddoes?
A
- a british soldier in the Bosnian war who turned peacekeeper as he was injured and discharged during Bosnian war
- suffered from PTSD
8
Q
What war is this poem about?
A
-the Bosnian war -> 1992-1995 - very violent
9
Q
What is PTSD?
A
- an anxiety disorder caused by distressing events- can be characterised by nightmares and flashbacks -> feelings of isolation, irritability, guilt and depression
10
Q
What are the themes present in this poem?
A
- love and relationships
- pain and suffering
- effects of war
