trauma and psychological impacts of war Flashcards
overview
The Manhunt by Simon Armitage explores the profound trauma and psychological impact of war on soldiers and their relationships. The poem follows a wife’s attempt to reconnect with her husband, who has returned from war physically altered but more so emotionally scarred. Through vivid descriptions of his physical and emotional state, the poem highlights how the horrors of war continue to haunt the soldier long after the battle ends. The trauma is not only visible in his physical wounds but also in the emotional distance between him and his wife.
“After the first phase, after passionate nights and intimate days”
In the beginning of The Manhunt, the line “After the first phase, after passionate nights and intimate days” reflects the early relationship between the speaker and her husband, who has returned from war. The use of “passionate” suggests a time when their connection was strong and close, but the repetition of “after” hints that those moments are now in the past. This line sets up the theme of trauma, indicating that the war has already begun to cast a shadow over their relationship, affecting their emotional intimacy. The tone here is reflective and nostalgic, with the speaker looking back on the warmth they once shared. The structure of this sentence is straightforward, which contrasts with the deep emotional implications of the trauma that has since taken hold.
“Only then would he let me trace / the frozen river which ran through his face”
The phrase “Only then would he let me trace / the frozen river which ran through his face” delves deeper into the psychological scars that the speaker’s husband carries. The “frozen river” symbolizes the emotional numbness he has experienced due to his traumatic experiences in war. Rivers are often associated with movement and life, but here the “frozen” river represents a man whose emotional state has been halted, his feelings locked away. The speaker’s attempt to “trace” these feelings indicates her desire to reconnect, but the difficulty of this task reveals the extent of the trauma. This suggests that war’s psychological impact isn’t immediately visible; it lies beneath the surface, creating emotional barriers that are hard to break. The tone here is one of sadness and frustration, as the speaker is aware of the emotional distance between them. The line is split into two short, fragmented lines, mirroring the fragmented emotional state of the man, as well as the difficulty of bridging that gap.
“The damaged, porcelain collarbone”
“The damaged, porcelain collarbone” uses the metaphor of “porcelain” to deepen our understanding of the man’s fragility. While the word “damaged” directly refers to his physical injury, “porcelain” suggests something that is delicate and easily broken. This image not only emphasizes his physical vulnerability but also highlights the psychological fragility caused by his war experiences. The man may appear physically intact, but the “damaged” collarbone symbolizes that trauma is not just something internal but often manifests in ways that are hard to recognize on the surface. The fragility of porcelain further suggests that his mind, like his body, can break under the weight of his experiences. The tone is sorrowful, evoking sympathy for the man’s condition, while the structure of the line—simple and unadorned—adds to the starkness of his vulnerability.
“And handle and hold”
The repetition of “And handle and hold” emphasizes the ongoing effort required to care for someone who has been so deeply affected by trauma. The repeated words convey the sense of constant vigilance and tenderness needed to help the man cope with his emotional scars. There is a sense of caretaking here, as the speaker treats her husband with extreme delicacy, trying to support him without causing further harm. The repetition underscores the repetitive nature of the care and patience required to deal with the psychological toll of war. The tone is tender, marked by a deep sense of empathy and the need for patience. The structure, with its repetitive phrasing, emphasizes how the speaker’s life has been shaped by the demands of looking after someone who has been profoundly affected by war.
“The scars of battle”
“The scars of battle” offers a stark image of the aftermath of war. The scars represent both the visible and invisible effects of war, making it clear that trauma is not just about physical wounds but about long-lasting psychological damage as well. The use of the word “battle” reinforces the violent and aggressive nature of war, implying that the man has fought not just against external forces but also internal ones. These “scars” are permanent, symbolic of the long-term emotional impact that continues to haunt the man even after the war has ended. This line connects physical injuries with psychological wounds, illustrating how both are intertwined and equally damaging. The tone here is somber and reflective, capturing the weight of what the man has endured. The structure is simple, which highlights the directness and permanence of these scars, showing how the trauma endures long after the physical wounds have healed.
Finally, “The blows of the bullets” brings the poem to a sharp, vivid conclusion. While the physical violence of war is clear in the image of “bullets,” the word “blows” adds a deeper layer, suggesting the psychological impacts of war. These “blows” are not just injuries but also represent the psychological and emotional toll of violence. The line underscores the fact that trauma is not just a matter of physical injury, but also the mental and emotional “blows” that continue to affect the person long after the violence has ended. The harshness of the word “blows” mirrors the brutal impact of war, while the structure—short and forceful—adds to the sense of immediacy and violence that still lingers in the man’s mind. The tone here is violent and harsh, reinforcing the brutality of war’s psychological effects.
conclusion
The poem illustrates that the psychological effects of war are deep, long-lasting, and often invisible. The soldier’s emotional numbness and the wife’s struggle to understand him reveal the profound toll that trauma takes on both the individual and their loved ones. Through The Manhunt, Armitage emphasizes that the scars of war are not just physical but emotional, showing how war’s impact can ripple through relationships and linger long after the conflict is over.
