Literary Analysis of War in Poetry

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Questions and Answers

What is the common subject in literature that serves as a backdrop for exploring deeper themes?

War (correct)

Identity

Culture

Duty

What is the central conflict in 'War Photographer'?

The photographer's feelings towards war

The photographer's conflict with his editor

The photographer's struggle with his duty (correct)

The photographer's relationship with his family

What is the significance of the darkroom in 'War Photographer'?

It symbolizes the photographer's creativity

It is where the photographer develops his photos

It is where the photographer meets with his colleagues

It represents the photographer's isolation and haunting memories (correct)

What is the result of the pilot's decision to turn back in 'Kamikaze'?

He faces cultural ostracism Signup and view all the answers

What do the poems 'Kamikaze' and 'War Photographer' explore?

The relationship between identity and war Signup and view all the answers

What literary device is used in 'Kamikaze' to highlight the pilot's longing for life and beauty?

Natural imagery Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the phrase 'spools of suffering set out in ordered rows' in 'War Photographer'?

It symbolizes the systematic way the photographer handles his emotional burden Signup and view all the answers

What is the central theme explored in both 'Kamikaze' and 'War Photographer'?

The tension between personal desires and societal duties Signup and view all the answers

What is the universal theme explored in both poems?

How external pressures and expectations shape personal identity Signup and view all the answers

What is the narrative style of 'Kamikaze'?

Free verse structure with natural imagery Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of 'War Photographer'?

The broad societal detachment from war Signup and view all the answers

How do the poems differ in their portrayal of war's impact on identity?

One uses a personal, familial perspective, while the other uses a professional, detached perspective Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of the pilot's decision on his daughter in 'Kamikaze'?

She feels a sense of shame and societal stigma Signup and view all the answers

What is the tone of 'War Photographer'?

Detached and clinical Signup and view all the answers

What is the common theme explored in both poems?

The internal conflicts and societal roles that define their protagonists Signup and view all the answers

What do the poems offer insights into?

The complexities of identity shaped by war Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction

War is a common subject in literature, often used to explore deeper themes like identity and duty.
Two poems, "Kamikaze" by Beatrice Garland and "War Photographer" by Carol Ann Duffy, explore the relationship between identity and war.

Similarities

Both poems examine how war influences personal identity and the internal conflicts faced by those involved.
"Kamikaze" uses the pilot's decision to turn back as a metaphor for his struggle against societal expectation of honor.
"War Photographer" uses the darkroom as a symbol of the photographer's isolation and haunting memories.
Both poems highlight the tension between personal desires and societal duties.
Individuals grapple with their roles in the context of war, shaping their identities in complex ways.

Differences

The poems differ in their narrative styles and cultural contexts, affecting how they portray the impact of war on identity.
"Kamikaze" is narrated from the perspective of the pilot's daughter, providing a reflective and familial lens.
"War Photographer" employs a structured form with regular stanzas, mirroring the methodical nature of the photographer's work.
Garland's use of a personal, familial perspective highlights the intimate and cultural consequences of the pilot's choice.
Duffy's structured, professional viewpoint emphasizes the broader societal detachment from the horrors of war.

Conclusion

Both poems explore the complexities of identity shaped by war, highlighting the internal conflicts and societal roles that define their protagonists.
The poems use vivid imagery and distinct narrative perspectives to highlight the emotional and cultural repercussions of duty.
The poems underscore the multifaceted nature of identity, revealing the deep and often painful intersections between personal desires, societal expectations, and the harsh realities of war.