Remains

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

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

  A soldier's traumatic experience in war
• What narrative style is used in "Remains"?

  Dramatic monologue
• What does the speaker reflect on in the poem?

  The shooting of a bank looter
• What is the main theme of "Remains"?

  Psychological effects of war trauma
• What does the speaker say about the man he shot?

  He may not have been armed
• How does the speaker feel about the shooting incident?

  He is traumatized and haunted by it
• What does the phrase "blood shadow" symbolize in the poem?

  Haunting memories of guilt
• What does the speaker mean by "we got sent out"?

  They were following orders
• What does the verb "tackle" imply about the soldiers' mindset?

  Naivety and youthfulness
• What does the repetition of "somebody else" signify?

  Shared responsibility among soldiers
• How does the speaker describe the act of shooting?

  As "open fire," implying brutality
• What does the phrase "I see broad daylight on the other side" suggest?

  Hope or reassurance after death
• What does the phrase "sort of inside out" convey?

  Casualness about the gruesome scene
• What does the imagery of "tosses his guts back into his body" imply?

  Disrespect for the dead body
• What does "his blood shadow stays on the street" symbolize?

  Lasting impact of violence
• How does the speaker feel when he is home on leave?

  Haunted by memories of the shooting
• What does the phrase "dug in Behind Enemy Lines" suggest about the speaker's state of mind?

  He feels trapped by his guilt
• What does the term "PTSD" stand for?

  Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• When was "Remains" published?

  2008
• What is the significance of the title "Remains"?

  It refers to physical and emotional remnants
• How does Armitage's poem address the aftermath of war?

  By exploring traumatic memories of soldiers
• What does the poem suggest about soldiers' exposure to violence?

  It is a daily reality for them
• What does the structure of the poem reflect about the speaker's emotional state?

  His struggle for control and order
• What does the poem imply about the soldiers' duty?

  They are often forced into violent situations
• Who was the British soldier that inspired "Remains"?

  Guardsman Tromans
• What societal sentiment was present during the time "Remains" was published?

  Opposition to the Iraq War
• How does Armitage's work contribute to the understanding of war's impact?

  By raising awareness of war's psychological effects
• What are the key themes explored in "Remains"?

  • Psychological effects of war
  • Trauma and guilt
  • Remorse and regret
  • The devaluation of human life
• What context is important for understanding "Remains"?

  • Written by Simon Armitage
  • Published in 2008
  • Based on testimonies of ex-soldiers
  • Addresses PTSD and war aftermath
• What literary devices are prominent in "Remains"?

  • Metaphor
  • Imagery
  • Repetition
  • Alliteration
  • Enjambment