Structure, Quotes & Comparisons
English Lit: AQA GCSE Poetry - Power & Conflict, topic 13.1.4
Key Quotations in Kamikaze
Here are key quotations to remember for your exam:
“Her father embarked at sunrise"
- Symbolism.
- Japan is also known as the “land of the rising sun” so this could be a reference to the country’s heritage.
- It is also symbolic of hope.
“One-way journey into history”
- Metaphor.
- This is indicative of the significance of the act and the honour it could bring him.
“…With a flask of water, a samurai sword in the cockpit..."
- “…with a flask of water, a samurai sword in the cockpit, a shaven head full of powerful incantations".
- Listing.
- This technique suggests this is a ritual and gives a sense of dignity and respect for the tradition.
“Strung out like bunting”
- Simile.
- This simile is a positive image with connotations of celebration.
- This simile is ironic given what the pilot is about to do.
- The simile could also symbolise joy and remind us of what the pilot is leaving behind.
“Green-blue translucent sea”
- Natural imagery.
- Highlights the beauty of the world and everything the pilot stands to lose.
- This helps us to empathise with the pilot's decision to turn back.
"And remembered how he..."
- “and remembered how he / and his brothers waiting on the shore / built cairns of pearl-grey pebbles”.
- Imagery.
- This image of innocence and childhood provides a contrast to the pilot's fate.
“…A tuna, the dark prince, muscular, dangerous”
- Dark imagery.
- This hints of the more powerful, even predatory side of nature, and perhaps the darker end to the poem.
Key Comparisons: Kamikaze
Here are some themes that come up in Kamikaze and other texts:
Power of nature
- You may want to compare the theme of the power of nature in Kamikaze to the following texts:
- Storm on the Island.
- Tissue.
- Exposure.
- The Prelude.
Conflicting emotions
- You may want to compare the theme of conflicting emotions in Kamikaze to the following texts:
- Poppies
- Bayonet Charge.
- War Photographer.
Power of society
- You may want to compare the theme of the power of society in Kamikaze to the following texts:
- London.
- The Emigree.
Power of memory
- You may want to compare the theme of the power of memory in Kamikaze to the following texts:
- Poppies.
- The Emigree.
Test yourself on Structure, Quotes & Comparisons
Which of these key quotes from Kamikaze could you use in discussions about nature?
Which of these could you not compare Kamikaze to about the power of memory?