the manhunt - simon armitage

Question 1

what is the context of the poem?

Answer 1

wife of a soldier gets to know her husband again after he returns home from war
armitage was inspired by real-life soldiers, which adds realism in the poem’s depiction of trauma

Question 2

what is the form of the poem?

Answer 2

written in rhyming and non-rhyming couplets
creates a fragmented structure
reflects slow process of recovery
written in free verse, which makes poem more intimate and personal
short, 2-line stanzas
suggest slow pace of healing, showing how wife gently uncovers each part of her husband’s pain

Question 3

what is the structure of the poem?

Answer 3

enjabment creates a gentle, flowing rhythm
mimics wife’s careful and patient approach as she slowly explores her husband’s wounds
“only then could i bind the struts and climb the rungs of his broken ribs”
lack of full-stops makes it feel as though the wife is moving gradually and carefully

Question 4

what is the language of the poem?

Answer 4

metaphors of injury
“foetus of metal beneath his chest
“foetus” represents a new life, highlighting the change within their relationship after husband comes back from war
“only then would he let me trace, the frozen river which ran through his face”
metaphor of “frozen river” suggests a scar, but also symbolises emotional coldness

Question 5

finish the quote
“foetus of metal …”

Answer 5

foetus of metal beneath his chest

Question 6

finish the quote
“only then could i bind the struts…”

Answer 6

only then could i bind the struts and climb the rungs of his broken ribs

Question 7

finish the quote
“ only then would he let me trace..”

Answer 7

only then would he let me trace the frozen river which ran through his face