kamikaze

• What does the term "kamikaze" refer to in the context of World War II?

  It refers to Japanese fighter pilots sent on suicide missions.
• What does the word "kamikaze" literally translate to?

  Divine wind
• What is the main theme explored in the poem "Kamikaze"?

  A daughter's reflection on her relationship with her father, a kamikaze pilot.
• What decision did the father make during his kamikaze mission?

  He decided not to complete his suicide mission and turned back.
• How did the family react to the father's return from his mission?

  They refused to speak to him and shunned him from society.
• What does the poem's structure symbolize?

  It symbolizes being controlled by cultural and societal expectations.
• What are the key elements of the father's journey in the poem?

  • Embarked at sunrise
  • Carried a flask of water and a samurai sword
  • Had enough fuel for a one-way journey
  • Experienced an inner conflict about his mission
• What does the reference to "Sunrise" symbolize in the poem?

  It symbolizes the start of a new day, which is ironic given his mission to end his life.
• What does the "samurai sword" represent in the poem?

  It creates an idea of masculinity and the pressure men face in wartime.
• What does the term "incantations" imply about the father's mindset?

  It suggests he is under a spell of patriotism and nationalism, possibly brainwashed.
• What does the phrase "one-way journey into history" imply about the kamikaze pilots' intentions?

  It implies they seek death to be remembered and immortalized as heroes.
• How does the daughter reflect on her father's decision during the mission?

  She imagines what he must have seen and felt, trying to justify his actions.
• What does the imagery of "little fishing boats strung out like bunting" convey?

  It conveys a sense of celebration and cherishing life, contrasting with his mission.
• What does the color imagery of "green blue translucent sea" represent?

  It represents the beauty of nature and life that the father is reminded of.
• What does the "figure of eight" symbolize in the poem?

  It symbolizes infinity and the eternal quality of nature compared to human life.
• How does the poem depict the relationship between nature and humanity?

  It suggests that nature is more powerful and eternal compared to the transient nature of human life.
• What does the repetition of "safe" signify in the poem?

  It emphasizes the father's focus on safety and the desire to protect his family.
• How does the mother react to the father's return, according to the poem?

  She never spoke again in his presence and avoided meeting his eyes.
• What does the phrase "treated him as though he no longer existed" imply about societal attitudes towards the father?

  It implies that he was shunned and ostracized for not completing his mission.
• What does the daughter mean when she says "this was no longer the father we loved"?

  It indicates that the father's experience changed him, making him unrecognizable to his family.
• What does the last line of the poem suggest about the father's internal conflict?

  It suggests he wondered which was the better way to die, reflecting his deep emotional turmoil.
• What are the key context points related to the poem "Kamikaze"?

  • Inspired by motivations for dying for one's country during WWII.
  • Japanese kamikaze pilots flew planes filled with explosives.
  • The military recruited pilots as the war progressed.
  • Kamikaze pilots were named after a typhoon from the 13th century.
  • Japanese culture emphasized honor and bravery.
• What is the significance of the collection "The Invention of Fireworks" in relation to the poem?

  It explores how mankind became a threat to nature and itself in the 20th century.
• What message does the poem "Kamikaze" convey about the relationship between humans and nature?

  It suggests that humans should seek solace in the power of nature.
• How does the lack of a clear rhyme scheme in the poem reflect the father's experience?

  It represents his refusal to conform to societal expectations that led to his emotional turmoil.
• What does the daughter's perspective add to the poem's exploration of war?

  It provides a personal and emotional view of the impact of war on families.