The Death of the Ball Turret Gunner Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the "Death of the Ball Turret Gunner" about?

A short poem about a gunner who dies in a battle

What does "fell" mean in line one, "From my mother's sleep I fell into the State"?

Suggests helplessness...he was drafted into the war. Also suggests a child falling from the womb.

What does "sleep" mean in line one, "From my mother's sleep I fell into the State"?

His mother is unaware of what is happening to her son.

What does "state" mean in line one, "From my mother's sleep I fell into the State"?

Suggests the government. After he is drafted, he is property of government (G.I.). Also suggests he is in a state of existence different from the peaceful rest of the mother's womb. Signup and view all the answers

What does "belly" mean in line two, "And I hunched in its belly till my wet fur froze"?

The ball turret is the belly of the plane. Also implies the womb. Signup and view all the answers

What does "wet fur froze" mean in line two, "And I hunched in its belly till my wet fur froze"?

His jacket has a fur collar or lining. It is cold in the ball turret. Also implies that the speaker has been dehumanized. Signup and view all the answers

What does "earth" mean in line three, "Six miles from earth, loosed from its dream of life"?

He is high above earth. Also suggests roundness of mother's womb. Signup and view all the answers

What does "nightmare" mean in line four, "I woke to black flak and the nightmare fighters"?

He wakes to a nightmare instead of from a nightmare. His situation is unnatural. Signup and view all the answers

What does "died" mean in line five, "When I died they washed me out of the turret with a hose"?

The speaker is talking from the grave, after his own death in a plane. Signup and view all the answers

What does "hose" mean in line five, "When I died they washed me out of the turret with a hose"?

A steam hose is used to remove his remains. Also suggests abortion. Signup and view all the answers

What is this poem a brief description of?

Brutality of war Signup and view all the answers

What is Jarrell saying the war is similar to?

Abortion Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of "The Death of the Ball Turret Gunner"

Written by Randall Jarrell in 1945, the poem explores themes of war, dehumanization, and mortality.
The narrative is from the perspective of a ball turret gunner who reflects on his life and death during battle.

Analysis of Key Terms and Themes

"Fell" signifies helplessness, implying the gunner was drafted and taken from innocence, akin to a child emerging from the womb.
"Sleep" suggests the mother’s ignorance of her child's fate, symbolizing a loss of innocence and unawareness of the impending dangers of war.
"State" refers to government control post-draft, indicating the transformation of the individual into government property (i.e., a G.I.), contrasting the peaceful state of the womb.

Imagery and Symbolism

"Belly" represents the ball turret of the plane, paralleling it with the womb, illustrating both confinement and origin.
"Wet fur froze" indicates the cold and dehumanizing conditions within the turret, suggesting the gunner's loss of humanity and warmth.
"Earth" denotes physical altitude in combat, while also evoking the womb's roundness, symbolizing the contrast between life and the threat of death.

Nightmarish Experience

"Nightmare" emphasizes the transition from life into a brutal reality of warfare, suggesting unnatural experiences faced by soldiers during combat.

Reflection on Death

"Died" signifies a detached perspective, as the speaker recounts his experience post-mortem, emphasizing the finality of death in war.
"Hose" illustrates the brutality of war through the imagery of remains being cleaned away, paralleling it with the act of abortion, suggesting detachment and lack of reverence for life.

Central Themes and Comparisons

The poem succinctly describes the brutality of war, emphasizing the harsh realities faced by soldiers and the deep sense of loss.
Jarrell compares the experience of war to abortion, implying a tragic severance of existence and innocence.

Description

Explore the themes and meanings behind Randall Jarrell's powerful poem, 'The Death of the Ball Turret Gunner.' These flashcards will help you delve into key elements of the poem, from its context to specific language choices. Perfect for studying and gaining a deeper understanding of this poignant work.