Remains

• What is the main theme of the poem "Remains" by Simon Armitage?

  Haunting effects of war and PTSD
• What does the poem "Remains" explore regarding soldiers?

  Repercussions of war and PTSD

  
• Who is the author of the poem "Remains"?

  Simon Armitage
• What event does the poem "Remains" center around?

  A soldier's involvement in a shooting
• What is the significance of the title "Remains"?

  • Refers to the lingering effects of war
  • Suggests memories that haunt the soldier
  • Represents the physical and emotional aftermath

  
• What does PTSD stand for?

  Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• How does the poem depict the soldier's guilt?

  Through vivid imagery and haunting memories
• What does the phrase "probably armed, possibly not" suggest about the looter?

  Uncertainty about the looter's threat level
• What does the use of "tosses" imply about the soldiers' attitude towards death?

  Indifference and desensitization to violence
• What literary technique is used when the poem opens "In media res"?

  • Creates confusion for the reader
  • Mirrors the soldier's emotional state
  • Reflects the chaos and unpredictability of war
• How does the poem illustrate the soldier's internal conflict?

  Through flashbacks and guilt over killing
• What does the term "blood-shadow" refer to in the poem?

  The lasting impact of the looter's death
• What does the structure of the final stanza suggest?

  Breakdown of the soldier's mental state
• How does Armitage use colloquial language in "Remains"?

  To reflect the soldier's attempt to mask emotions
• What does the phrase "his bloody life in my bloody hands" imply?

  Deep sense of guilt and responsibility
• What themes are prevalent in Simon Armitage's poetry?

  • Impact of war on soldiers
  • Mental health awareness, especially PTSD
  • Exploration of guilt and responsibility
  • Relatable situations and accessible language
• What is the significance of the phrase "near to the knuckle" in the poem?

  Indicates the painful proximity of memories
• How does the poem "Remains" reflect societal attitudes towards war?

  It critiques the lack of compassion for soldiers
• What does the use of enjambment signify in the poem?

  Separation of reality from memory
• What does the poem suggest about the soldier's return home?

  He continues to suffer from his memories
• What is the role of the speaker in "Remains"?

  To recount his traumatic experiences
• How does the poem address the theme of masculinity?

  It challenges expectations of emotional strength
• What does the imagery of "torn apart by a dozen rounds" convey?

  Graphic depiction of violence and death
• What does the poem suggest about the nature of memory?

  It can be haunting and inescapable
• What is the purpose of the dramatic monologue format in "Remains"?

  To provide a personal account of trauma
• How does the poem reflect the changing public opinion on war?

  It raises awareness of PTSD and its effects
• What does the phrase "the drink and the drugs won’t flush him out" imply?

  Substance abuse cannot erase his guilt
• What does the poem suggest about the soldier's mental state?

  He is trapped in a cycle of guilt and trauma
• What is the significance of the phrase "six-feet-under in desert sand"?

  It emphasizes the finality of death
• How does the poem illustrate the concept of desensitization in soldiers?

  Through the casual treatment of death
• What does the breakdown of stanza length at the end signify?

  Reflects the speaker's emotional breakdown
• What does the poem suggest about the soldier's need for confession?

  It is essential for processing his trauma
• What is the impact of the phrase "death stains a person’s conscience"?

  It highlights the lasting effects of guilt
• How does the poem "Remains" challenge traditional views of masculinity?

  By portraying vulnerability and emotional struggle
• What does the use of present tense in "Remains" convey?

  Creates immediacy and ongoing trauma

  
• What does the poem reveal about the societal perception of soldiers returning from war?

  They often face misunderstanding and lack of support
• What is the role of the speaker's memories in "Remains"?

  They illustrate the impact of PTSD

  
• How does the poem address the theme of responsibility?

  It shows the speaker's struggle with guilt
• What does the imagery of "dug in behind enemy lines" suggest?

  Internal conflict and mental entrapment
• What does the poem suggest about the nature of trauma?

  It is persistent and difficult to escape