Belfast Confetti

• What is the main theme of "Belfast Confetti"?

  Consequences of conflict on individuals and society
• How does the speaker express fear in "Belfast Confetti"?

  Through psychological confusion during the bombing
• What is the significance of the poem opening in media res?

  • Reflects chaos of the bombing
  • Engages readers in the action
  • Highlights confusion and urgency
• Who is the author of "Belfast Confetti"?

  Ciaran Carson
• What does the speaker question in the poem?

  Why he can't escape the conflict
• When did the Troubles in Northern Ireland begin and end?

  Late 1960s to 1998
• What was one of the main issues causing the Troubles?

  The divide between Republicans and Unionists
• How does the title "Belfast Confetti" relate to the poem's content?

  It contrasts celebration with violence of conflict
• What literary devices are used in "Belfast Confetti"?

  • Plosives to express anger
  • Euphemism for homemade bombs
  • Imagery contrasting confetti with violence
• What does the phrase "raining exclamation marks" imply?

  Noise and chaos from the bombing
• What does the lack of meter and rhythm in the poem signify?

  Confusion and disorientation from violence
• What is the effect of asyndetic listing in the poem?

  • Increases pace of the poem
  • Reflects urgency and panic
  • Highlights chaotic nature of conflict
• What does the line "I know this labyrinth so well" suggest?

  Familiarity with the conflict yet inability to escape
• What does the term "didactic" mean in the context of the poem?

  Intended to teach or educate
• How does Carson use punctuation in "Belfast Confetti"?

  To reflect chaos and confusion of conflict
• What does the phrase "a fusillade of question-marks" imply about the speaker's state of mind?

  Questioning everything due to chaos of war
• What are the psychological effects depicted in "Belfast Confetti"?

  • Fear and confusion
  • Internal struggle with identity
  • Impact of violence on mental state
• What historical event does Carson reference in the poem?

  The Crimean War
• How does the poem's structure reflect the speaker's experience?

  Past tense shows memories, present tense shows confusion
• What does the phrase "side streets blocked with stops and columns" symbolize?

  Inability to escape violence in Northern Ireland
• What does the poem suggest about communication during conflict?

  It is blocked and distorted by violence
• How does the poem educate readers about violence?

  By depicting personal experiences of conflict
• What is the significance of the speaker's rhetorical questions?

  They express confusion and uncertainty
• How does the poem reflect the historical context of the Troubles?

  By illustrating the violence and chaos experienced
• What does the imagery of "nuts, bolts, nails, car-keys" represent?

  Shrapnel from homemade bombs