Kamikaze - Beatrice Garland (Born 1938)
English Lit: AQA GCSE Poetry - Power & Conflict, topic 17.1.13
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 suggestions for texts you could compare in your exam. Of course, the list of possibilities is endless!
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 Kamikaze - Beatrice Garland (Born 1938)
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?