Poetry - Remains

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

  Simon Armitage
• Why is Simon Armitage considered an exam board favorite?

  His poetry has been frequently included in exams
• What position was Simon Armitage recently elected to?

  Oxford professor of poetry
• When was Simon Armitage born?

  1963
• What is the title of the collection that includes the poem "Remains"?

  The Not Dead
• What is the subject of the poem "Remains"?

  After-effects of conflict on soldiers
• In what year was "The Not Dead" published?

  2008
• What true story is "Remains" based on?

  The experience of Guardsman Romans
• How does the poem "Remains" reflect the chaos of war?

  It begins mid-action, creating confusion
• What does the repetition of "somebody else" signify in the poem?

  It deflects blame from the narrator
• What was Guardsman Romans' role in the Iraq War?

  Machine gunner
• How does sentence length reflect the soldier's trauma?

  Short sentences convey abruptness and shock
• What event does the poem "Remains" describe?

  A soldier's experience of shooting a looter
• What does the phrase "three of a kind" imply in the poem?

  Shared responsibility among the soldiers
• How does the structure of the poem change towards the end?

  The narrator takes full responsibility
• What does the phrase "my bloody hands" suggest about the narrator's feelings?

  He feels guilt and responsibility for the death
• What does enjambment in the poem signify?

  Life-changing moments in the soldier's experience
• What does the phrase "probably armed possibly not" indicate in the poem?

  Uncertainty and fear in combat situations
• What are the main themes explored in "Remains"?

  • After-effects of conflict
  • Guilt and responsibility
  • The horror of war
  • Blending of conflict and domestic life
• How does "Remains" compare to other poems in the power and conflict cluster?

  • Similar to "War Photographer" by Carol Ann Duffy
  • Similar to "Bayonet Charge" by Ted Hughes
  • Similar to "Exposure" by Wilfred Owen
  • Explores the impact of war on soldiers' lives
• What structural devices are used in "Remains" to convey meaning?

  • Enjambment to show life-changing moments
  • Repetition to emphasize shared blame
  • Short sentences for abruptness and trauma
  • Cyclical structure to reflect ongoing trauma
• What is the significance of the documentary related to "Remains"?

  • Provides context for the poem
  • Highlights real-life experiences of soldiers
  • Explains the background of the poem's creation
• What psychological effects does the soldier experience after the incident described in "Remains"?

  • Post-traumatic stress
  • Substance abuse
  • Nightmares and guilt
  • Difficulty adjusting to civilian life
• What does the narrator feel about going home?

  He believes it will change things.
• What does the repetition of "probably armed possibly not" emphasize?

  It highlights uncertainty about the armed status.
• Why should one be careful with online notes about poems?

  Different drafts may vary from anthologies.
• What structural point is made about repetition in the poem?

  It creates a cyclical structure.
• What does the cyclical structure suggest about the soldier's trauma?

  It suggests the trauma is inescapable.
• What does the title "remains" refer to in the poem?

  Parts left after destruction or use.
• How does the title relate to the soldier's experience?

  It reflects his broken mental state.
• What connotation does "remains" have in the context of death?

  It relates to a person's body after death.
• What does the phrase "blood shadow" represent?

  It symbolizes the physical mark left behind.
• How does the language shift throughout the poem?

  It contrasts casual language with horrific imagery.
• What does the casual language in the poem suggest about the soldiers' experiences?

  It indicates everyday life-threatening situations.
• What does the juxtaposition of language types illustrate?

  It highlights the effects of conflict on soldiers.
• What does the vague language in the poem reflect?

  It reflects the indescribable horror of war.
• What imagery is used to describe the treatment of the wounded man?

  Imagery of a binman tossing guts.
• What does the verb "tosses" imply about the looter's treatment?

  It shows complete disrespect for life.
• How does the soldier cope with his memories after returning home?

  He turns to substance abuse.
• What does the word "flush" suggest about the soldier's state?

  He feels unclean and sick from guilt.