internal conflict/ guilt lasting effects

• “hands which did not tremble then though seem to now”

  war photographer sign of PTSD

  degradation of his mental state

  physical effect thats triggered effecting his daily life

  contrast- past and present indicating change in emotional state

  enduring nature of emotional struggles
• “blood stained foreign dust”

  war photographer

  juxtaposition- emotional turmoil and deep impact of what he's wittnessed

  haunting image stays with him

  lasting emotional scars and internal struggles
• “probably armed, possibly not“

  Remains

  anaphora- repated throughout the poem, speakers wrackled with doubt and guilt

  “probably” sense of certainty- what the speaker wants to hear (reassurance) yet doubt remains with “possibly”

  level of uncertainty- mental tourment
• “his bloody life is my bloody hands”

  Remains

  literal blood hands from killing the man or cursing- frustration

  Shakespearian allusion- echoes lady Macbeth, motif of blood for guilt in both

  guilt- root cause of soldiers suffering

  “my” hes taking full responsibility