Kamikaze

• context

  • japanese pilot embarks on a suicide mission
  • sees the beauty of nature and is reminded of childhood
  • he changes his mind and flies home
  • he is shunned by his family and has brought them shame
• themes

  • effects of war
  • power of nature
  • power of memory
  • unconventional victim
  • loss
• " enough fuel for a one way journey into history "

  • unsettling tone
  • " fuel " - physical fuel / metaphoric fuel - motivation
  • honoured and remembered
  • preparing for death
• " a shaven head full of powerful incantations "
• " a shaven head full of powerful incantations "

  • all consumed
  • under spell of patriotism and propaganda
  • can't think of his own thoughts
  • power of nature clears his head
• " which had been the better way to die "
• " which had been the better way to die "

  • doesn't know which would hurt less
  • which would be easier for his family
  • either physical or emotional death
  • shunned by his family
  • either way he no longer exists
• compare

  • remains
  • poppies
  • the emigre