Kamikaze

• What does the poem Kamikaze explore?

  A daughter's reflection on her father's choices
• Who is the author of the poem Kamikaze?

  Beatrice Garland
• What significant decision did the father make in the poem Kamikaze?

  He decided not to complete his suicide mission
• How does the daughter relate her father's experience in the poem?

  To the natural beauty of the world
• What cultural expectations are discussed in the poem Kamikaze?

  Expectations placed upon individuals in Japan
• What are the main themes explored in the poem Kamikaze?

  • Conflict between individual and society
  • Family conflict due to societal pressure
  • Conflict between nature and man
  • Futility of avoiding fate set by authority
• What does the term "kamikaze" refer to in the context of WWII?

  Manned suicide missions by Japanese pilots

  
• What was the cultural significance of kamikaze pilots in Japan?

  They were seen as patriotic heroes
• How does the poem Kamikaze depict the relationship between nature and humanity?

  Nature is portrayed as more powerful than mankind
• What does the figure of eight symbolize in the poem?

  Infinity and the eternal nature of nature
• What does the imagery of "cairns of pearl-grey pebbles" represent?

  Graves and remembrance of the dead
• How does the poem convey the impact of war on families?

  Through the daughter's feelings of rejection
• What does the mother’s behavior towards the father signify in the poem?

  Shame and rejection due to cultural expectations
• What does the father’s return home symbolize in the poem?

  A return to a life of rejection and silence
• What does the phrase "which had been the better way to die" imply about the father's thoughts?

  He questions the value of his survival
• What is the significance of the title "Kamikaze" in the poem?

  • Reflects the father's role as a pilot
  • Highlights the cultural expectations of bravery
  • Suggests the conflict between duty and personal choice
• What literary devices are used to create an emotional tone in the poem?

  Sibilance and imagery
• How does the poem Kamikaze reflect on the nature of memory?

  It shows how memories can be painful
• What does the poem suggest about the role of propaganda in the father's decision?

  It implies he was influenced by patriotic ideals
• How does the poem Kamikaze illustrate the theme of conflict?

  • Individual vs. societal expectations
  • Family dynamics under societal pressure
  • Nature vs. human actions
  • Internal conflict of the father
• What does the term "taphor" signify in the poem?

  It signifies a prince deserving respect.
• How does the poem emphasize the significance of the subject?

  By using the first full stop in the poem.
• What does the poem suggest about the father's existence in society?

  He is physically present but socially dead.
• Who tells the story of the father in the poem?

  A daughter who never knew him.
• What perspective does the poem "Kamikaze" provide on war?

  It shows the impact on those left behind.

  
• From whose perspective is the poem written?

  A daughter's perspective in third person.
• What does the shift in narrative perspective signify in the poem?

  It reflects the speaker's emotional distance.
• How does the final line of the poem affect the tone?

  It returns to a detached tone of reflection.
• What does the structure of the poem reflect?

  The theme of conflict within the poem.
• What does the volta in the poem represent?

  A shift from third person to first person.
• What is the significance of the tightly controlled stanza lengths in the poem?

  • Reflects order and obedience expected of soldiers.
  • Juxtaposed by free verse and enjambment.
• What does enjambment in the poem suggest about the father's desires?

  He had his own individuality within constraints.
• What does the last word "die" signify in the poem?

  It creates a sense of futility and fate.
• What themes are explored in the poem regarding conflict and identity?

  • Conflict between identities (father vs soldier).
  • Contrast between "kamikaze" and "her father."
• How does the portrayal of "kamikaze" reinforce his role as a soldier?

  Through possessions like a flask and samurai sword.
• What irony is presented in the father's choice to return home?

  He is ultimately rejected by his family.
• How does the poem depict patriotism?

  • Through patriotic imagery and symbolism.
  • The father's journey reflects cultural indoctrination.
• What does the phrase "land of the rising sun" imply in the poem?

  It symbolizes Japan's cultural identity.
• How does the father’s appreciation of nature affect his identity?

  It shifts him from soldier to father.
• What does the poem suggest about the father's duty to his family?

  He feels a need to provide for them.