Remains by Simon Armitage

• What is the title of the poem by Simon Armitage that deals with the aftermath of war?

  Remains
• What does the phrase "Suffering remain" imply in the context of the poem?

  It suggests that the pain and trauma from war persist.
• What does the colloquial language in the poem signify?

  It creates an authentic voice and connects the reader to the speaker's experience.
• What does the metaphor of being "carted off in the back of a lorry" represent?

  It symbolizes the reduction of humanity to waste or cattle.
• How does the line "he's here in my head when I close my eyes" relate to PTSD?

  It illustrates how traumatic memories haunt the speaker even in moments of rest.
• What does the phrase "his bloody life in my bloody hands" convey?

  It conveys guilt and lasting trauma, emphasizing personal responsibility.
• Which literary work does the phrase "bloody hands" allude to?

  It alludes to Macbeth, particularly Lady Macbeth's guilt.
• What is the form and structure of the poem "Remains"?

  • Monologue told in present tense
  • Conveys a flashback (symptom of PTSD)
  • First two stanzas set in Iraq; last three show aftermath
  • Enjambment creates a conversational tone and fast pace
• What does the repetition of "probably armed, possibly not" convey?

  It conveys guilt and bitterness regarding the uncertainty of life and death in war.
• What are the main themes of the poem "Remains"?

  • Conflict
  • Suffering
  • Reality of war
• Who is the author of the poem "Remains"?

  Simon Armitage
• What does Simon Armitage mean by "These are poems of survivors"?

  It refers to the damaged men who return from war but are never whole mentally.
• For what purpose was the poem "Remains" written?

  It was written for a TV documentary about those returning from war with PTSD.
• Who is Guardsman Tromans, and what is his significance in the poem?

  He is a soldier who fought in Iraq in 2003, and his experiences inform the poem.
• What event does the speaker describe in the poem?

  The speaker describes shooting a looter dead in Iraq and its lasting impact on him.
• How did the poem "Remains" coincide with public awareness?

  It coincided with increased awareness of PTSD among the military and sympathy from the public.
• What does the poem suggest about mental suffering after physical conflict?

  It suggests that mental suffering can persist long after physical conflict is over.