Kamikaze

• What poems can be compared to Kamikaze?

  Identity: Checking out me history

  Memory: Poppies

  Power of nature: The prelude
• "a shaven head full of powerful incantations"


  Emphasises the spell of patriotism and propaganda the pilot is under, he can't make his own decisions

  The opening stanza shows patriotic pride and duty, the pilot has a chance to "fly into history"

  The patriotism of his family is shown in their reaction to his return->they treat him as if he's dead because he failed his duty
• "on a green-blue translucent sea"


  Natural imagery emphasises the beauty and power of nature

  Reminds the pilot of why he wanted to return to Japan
• 4th stanza

  The enjambment suggests the pilot was getting overwhelmed and caught up in his childhood memories

  Flashback and use of the daughter's commentary emphasises the effect of war on the family and shows how it can influence relationships negatively
• "a tuna, the dark prince, muscular and dangerous"


  Metaphor serves as a reminder of the dangers of nature

  Following the description of the sea creatures highlights the beauty and significance of nature to the pilot
• "they treated them as though he no longer existed"


  This outcome for the pilot, being treated invisible by his community emphasises the poem's critique of societal norms that valorise suicide missions.

  It questions the value and meaning of sacrifice when it leads to such extensive personal and domestic separation

  Ironic reminders of how the pilot has abandoned his mission, the way he's treated when he returns to his family is ironic because they act as if he's dead even though he chose not to die
• lack of rhyme scheme reflects the fathers' refusal to conform and give in to expectations