Kamikaze

• What is the main theme explored in the poem "Kamikaze" by Beatrice Garland?


  The poem explores a daughter's reflection on her father's decision not to complete his suicide mission as a Kamikaze pilot.
• Who is the author of the poem "Kamikaze"?

  Beatrice Garland
• How does the daughter relate her father's experience to the world around him?


  She connects his experience to the natural beauty of the world.
• What cultural expectations are highlighted in the poem regarding the father's return home?


  He is shunned by his family due to strict cultural expectations in Japan.
• What does the poem "Kamikaze" depict about the father's journey?


  • The father embarks on a kamikaze mission.
  • He reflects on his childhood memories.
  • The daughter recounts the story to her children.
  • The father is ultimately rejected by his community.
• What items did the father take with him on his kamikaze mission?


  A flask of water, a samurai sword, and enough fuel for a one-way journey.
• What natural imagery is used to describe the father's perspective during the flight?


  He looks down at fishing boats on a green-blue translucent sea.
• What do the fishing boats symbolize in the poem "Kamikaze"?


  They symbolize the beauty of life and the father's connection to nature.
• How does the poem depict the father's memories of his childhood?

  He remembers building cairns of pearl-grey pebbles with his brothers on the beach.
• What is the significance of the "figure of eight" mentioned in the poem?


  It symbolizes infinity and the eternal nature of the world compared to the transience of humanity.
• What does the poem suggest about the relationship between nature and humanity?


  It suggests that nature is more powerful than mankind and will outlast human conflict.
• What does the term "kamikaze" refer to in the context of WWII?


  Kamikaze refers to Japanese pilots who flew suicide missions into military targets.
• How does the poem reflect the cultural values of Japan during WWII?


  It emphasizes the importance of honor and the societal pressure to sacrifice oneself for the country.
• What impact does the father's return have on his family according to the poem?


  His return leads to rejection and silence from his family and community.
• What does the daughter ultimately question about her father's decision?


  She questions whether he should have died instead of returning home.
• What are the main conflicts explored in the poem "Kamikaze"?

  • Conflict between individuals and societal expectations.
  • Conflict within families due to societal pressure.
  • Conflict between nature and man.
• What does the poem suggest about the futility of avoiding one's fate?


  It suggests that avoiding a fate set by authority is often impossible.
• What literary collection is "Kamikaze" a part of?


  "The Invention of Fireworks"
• What is the significance of the title "Kamikaze" in the poem?


  The title reflects the themes of sacrifice, honor, and the impact of war on individuals and families.
• How does the poem's tone contribute to its overall message?


  The intimate tone contrasts the speaker and daughter's voices, emphasizing the personal nature of the story.
• What are the key themes explored in Beatrice Garland's poetry collection?


  • Life and death within the natural world.
  • Human threats to nature and to itself.
  • Seeking solace in nature amidst human turbulence.
• What does the poem imply about the father's feelings towards his mission?

  He feels conflicted and is under the influence of patriotism and propaganda.
• How does the poem illustrate the ongoing impact of conflict across generations?


  It shows how the father's experience affects his family and is passed down through generations.
• What does the imagery of "salt-sodden" and "cloud-marked" suggest about nature in the poem?


  It conveys the beauty and richness of life in nature.
• What does the term "cairns" refer to in the context of the poem?


  Cairns refer to stacks of pebbles that mark graves.
• How does the poem depict the father's internal struggle?


  It illustrates his conflict between duty to his country and the desire to live.
• What does the poem suggest about the relationship between the father and the daughter?


  It highlights a complex relationship shaped by conflict and cultural expectations.
• What does the poem imply about the nature of remembrance and legacy?


  It suggests that the father's desire for remembrance is overshadowed by his rejection by society.
• What does the phrase "he must have wondered" imply about the father's thoughts?


  It implies he is questioning the value of his choices and their consequences.
• How does the poem's structure contribute to its themes?


  The structure allows for shifts in perspective, enhancing the exploration of personal and cultural conflict.
• What role does nature play in the poem "Kamikaze"?

  Nature serves as a powerful contrast to human conflict and a source of beauty and reflection.
• What does the poem suggest about the impact of war on personal identity?


  It suggests that war can lead to a loss of identity and connection with family and community.
• What is the significance of the father's shaven head in the poem?

  It symbolizes his commitment to the kamikaze mission and the military.
• How does the poem reflect the theme of sacrifice?


  It reflects the theme of sacrifice through the father's choice to abandon his mission for the sake of life.
• What does the poem reveal about the societal pressures faced by the father?

  It reveals that he faced immense pressure to conform to expectations of honor and bravery.
• What does the poem imply about the nature of conflict?


  It implies that conflict is multifaceted, affecting individuals, families, and society as a whole.
• What does the phrase "he will bring to his community" suggest about the father's intentions?


  It suggests he believes his actions will honor and benefit his community.
• How does the poem address the theme of memory?


  It addresses memory through the daughter's recollections of her father's experiences and their impact on her life.
• What does the poem suggest about the relationship between duty and personal desire?


  It suggests that duty can conflict with personal desire, leading to difficult choices.
• What does the imagery of "dark shoals of fishes" represent in the poem?


  It represents the beauty and complexity of life, contrasting with the father's mission.