Remains

• What is the main theme of the poem "Remains" by Simon Armitage?

  The poem explores the haunting effects of war and PTSD on soldiers.
• What event does the soldier in "Remains" feel guilty about?

  The soldier feels guilty about shooting a bank looter.
• How does the poem "Remains" depict the aftermath of war for the soldier?

  The poem illustrates the soldier's ongoing guilt and trauma, manifesting as flashbacks and suffering at home.
• What are the key elements of the poem's synopsis?

  • Soldiers sent to handle bank looters
  • A man runs away and is shot by three soldiers
  • The violent death of the looter
  • The soldier is haunted by guilt and memories
  • Suffering at home due to PTSD

  
• Who is Simon Armitage?

  Simon Armitage is a poet, playwright, and novelist who became Poet Laureate in 2019.
• What is the significance of the documentary "The Not Dead" in relation to the poem "Remains"?

  "The Not Dead" raises awareness about PTSD and the impact of war on returning soldiers, which the poem reflects.

  
• How does the phrase "probably armed, possibly not" contribute to the poem's themes?

  This phrase highlights the uncertainty and moral ambiguity faced by soldiers, contributing to the theme of guilt.

  
• What literary techniques does Armitage use in "Remains" to convey the soldier's trauma?

  • In media res opening to reflect confusion
  • Gruesome imagery to depict violence
  • Caesura for finality and impact
  • Enjambment to separate reality from memory
  • Colloquial language to express raw emotions

  
• What does the term "blood-shadow" symbolize in the poem?

  "Blood-shadow" symbolizes the lasting impact of guilt and trauma on the soldier's conscience.
• What does the structure of the final stanza in "Remains" suggest?


  The breakdown in structure suggests the speaker's emotional breakdown and chaos due to guilt.
• How does the poem "Remains" reflect the theme of desensitization in soldiers?


  The poem illustrates how repeated exposure to violence leads to a lack of respect for life and emotional numbness.
• What are the implications of the speaker's need to recount his experiences in "Remains"?

  • Suggests a therapeutic need to process trauma
  • Reflects societal expectations of masculinity and emotional suppression
  • Highlights the struggle with guilt and responsibility

  
• What is the significance of the title "Remains"?

  The title "Remains" signifies the lasting effects of war, both physically and psychologically.
• How does the poem address the issue of PTSD?

  The poem portrays the soldier's flashbacks and ongoing guilt as symptoms of PTSD, emphasizing its impact on mental health.
• What does the use of colloquial language in "Remains" reveal about the speaker's state of mind?

  The use of colloquial language indicates the speaker's attempt to mask his emotions while grappling with his traumatic memories.

  
• How does the poem "Remains" connect to broader societal themes regarding war?

  • Reflects changing public opinion on war
  • Highlights the recognition of PTSD in society
  • Incites sympathy for veterans and their struggles

  
• What is the effect of enjambment in the poem "Remains"?

  Enjambment creates a sense of continuity and reflects the merging of reality and memory.
• What does the speaker's reference to "hands" symbolize in the context of guilt?

  The reference to "hands" symbolizes the speaker's personal responsibility for the death of the looter.
• How does the poem's ending relate to themes of guilt and responsibility?


  The ending emphasizes the speaker's acceptance of guilt and the burden of responsibility for his actions during the war.
• What does the adjective "bloody" suggest in the line "his bloody life in my bloody hands"?

  It suggests a pun describing the violent nature of death or serves as slang/cursing.
• How does the speaker's use of "hands" symbolize guilt in the poem?

  Hands symbolize guilt, indicating the speaker's responsibility for the death.
• What shift occurs in the speaker's perspective regarding blame throughout the poem?

  The speaker shifts from sharing blame to taking sole responsibility for the death.
• What literary device is used to show the psychological impact of killing on the speaker?

  Armitage explores the psychological impact through the motif of guilt.
• What is a motif in literature?

  • A recurring theme in a text.
• How does the speaker initially try to excuse his actions in the poem?

  The speaker tries to share blame with others, indicating it wasn't solely his decision.
• What does the phrase "three of a kind" suggest about the soldiers' mentality?

  It suggests that war has made soldiers think alike, losing their individuality.
• How does colloquial language affect the portrayal of soldiers in the poem?

  Colloquial language suggests that soldiers have become desensitized to the harsh realities of war.
• What is the effect of enjambment in the poem?

  Enjambment creates tension and suggests the speaker's inability to separate past events from present memories.
• How does caesura contribute to the poem's theme?

  Caesura provides a pause that emphasizes the ongoing impact of war on the speaker's life.
• What does the phrase "But I blink" imply about the speaker's experience after returning home?


  It implies doubt about the ability to escape the memories of war even when physically home.

  
• How does the poem depict the relationship between memory and trauma?

  The poem suggests that memory can be corrupted by trauma, affecting how events are perceived.
• What does the speaker's mention of the looter he killed reveal about his feelings?

  It reveals his guilt and the possibility that the looter may have been innocent.
• What is the significance of anaphora in the poem?

  Anaphora emphasizes the speaker's focus on guilt and the possibility of unjustified killing.
• What are the similarities between "Remains" and "Poppies"?

  • Both explore psychological consequences of conflict due to guilt.
  • Both highlight the impact of memory on soldiers.
  • Both show how the effects of war are damaging and painful.

  
• What are the similarities between "Remains" and "Charge of the Light Brigade"?

  • Both present the expectation of blind obedience in soldiers.
  • Both demonstrate the reality of war versus propaganda.

  
• What are the differences between "Remains" and "Charge of the Light Brigade"?

  • "Remains" focuses on individual impact, while COTLB glorifies collective impact.
  • Memory is damaging in "Remains," while in COTLB, it is a motivator for glory.

  
• What are the similarities between "Remains" and "Bayonet Charge"?

  • Both present a psychological impact of war.
  • Both depict soldiers as scared.
  • Both criticize war and killing.
• What are the differences between "Remains" and "Bayonet Charge"?

  • "Remains" focuses on short-term impact, while BC focuses on long-term.
  • "Remains" shows the aftermath of war, while BC presents acute impact during battle.