GCSE English Literature

Paper 2 – Modern Texts and Poetry

Section B – Poetry
Power and Conflict Cluster
Annotated Poems
 AQA Literature – Paper 2 – Poetry
Power & Conflict Cluster – Thematic Links
Poem Power/Conflict/Other
Ozymandias Power/Authority/Nature
London Power/Society
My Last Duchess Power/Love/Politics
Tissue Power (Politics)/Nature/Society
Charge of the Light Brigade Conflict/War
Exposure Conflict/War
Bayonet Charge Conflict/War
Remains Conflict/War
Poppies Conflict/War
War Photographer Conflict/War/Society
The Émigree Conflict/War/Society/Home
Kamikaze Conflict/War/Society/Home
Checking out me history Conflict/Society
Extract from, The Prelude Power/Nature
Storm on the Island Power/Nature/Society (Troubles)
Form – Pertrarchan Sonnet– 14 lines – Octet and Sestet – separated by a Volta –
Octave – tells the story of the discovery of the fallen statue, and the details of the Alliteration – repetition of the opening sounds of words–
statue. Sestet – we discover the desperation for control that Ozymandias went to, and Makes key phrases memorable – we remember the
the truth that Nature has wiped everything away. Volta shows the shift from discovery emotionless facial expression of Ozymandias – he cares
of things to discovery of truth. Rhyme scheme – ABABACDCEDEFEF – different to normal more about being remembered than being a kind and
P. Sonnet (ABBAABBACDDECE – reflects Shelley’s rejection of form (he was writing in a good leader.
sonnet competition) as a Romantic poet, and the general message that form should be At the end of the poem – alliteration draws our
altered for the needs of the message, not stuck to, as Nature will destroy all attempts attention to what remains now – we realise that all that
at control, leaving only the emotion behind. Ozymandias had has gone, and Nature has turned it
Generates a respect for Nature, and a willingness not to try and control how we are into the same sand and desert that surrounds the area –
remembered. it has taken everything, and turned it all into the same –
Nature has the power to take away everything.
Synecdoche – individual part representing the whole Generates a feeling that trying to control how Nature
thing – hand of the sculptor; heart of Ozymandias. allows us to be remembered is futile – we should try and
Tells us that all that remains are these negative live our lives well and not worry (influenced by later
representations – all we remember or learn about the Romantic poet views?)
sculptor, who might have been a great artist, is that he
undermined Ozymandias.
All that remains of the leader is the negative, arrogant
and power hungry aspects of their personality. Where
his heart should have been true and kind, instead it was
power-hungry.
Both have tried to control how Ozymandias is
remembered, but by doing to, both have tarnished their
own legacies – the sculptor will not be remembered as a
great artist, nor will Ozymandias be remembered as a
great leader. Irony that they have lasted forever
(through Art), but not as they wished, because they tried
to control it.
Generates a feeling that trying to control how Nature
allows us to be remembered is futile – we should try and
live our lives well and not worry (influenced by later
Romantic poet views?)

Caesura – pause created by punctuation in a line – forces the reader to pause, creating a sense of drama throughout the poem. Makes the reader reflective of
the actions of the sculptor and Ozymandias, and how Nature has destroyed almost everything in their memory. Pauses almost seem to undermine Ozymandias – as
he wants us to reflect on his greatness, we actually reflect on how foolish it seems that he tried to force himself to be remembered – sense of Irony.
Generates a feeling that trying to control how Nature allows us to be remembered is futile – we should try and live our lives well and not worry (influenced by
later Romantic poet views?)
 Form – Blank Verse – single stanza – Reflects the Power and order Lexical Field of grief – represents how Wordsworth presents the loss of the innocence of childhood – he
seems to grieve after what he has seen – it has had an enormous and deep impact upon him.
in Nature – Nature seems to have little order from the outside; ‘Solitude’ suggests that the figure has lost a connection they held closely, as if they are left alone without it –
from within, Nature has its own purpose and order (we just do not represents Wordsworth’s relationship with Nature as an orphan?
understand it). Single stanza represents the continuous flow of life ‘grave and serious’ - reflects that the figure has changed – is more pragmatic and adult – perhaps even
understands the death of their innocence has occurred.
through Nature – it never truly breaks or pauses, and the poem ‘a trouble’ – sense that the figure does not want to let go of their view of Nature – this realization about the
represents this. As the Prelude was autobiographical, perhaps it world is one that saddens them, even though he cannot get rid of the truth.
represents the flow of Wordsworth’s life, or that he desires Great sense of sympathy for the figure, as they have lost a sense of innocence, and it has made them
extremely sad.
connection with Nature? Generates a respect for Nature –
understanding of the link between Nature and Wordsworth.

Pathetic Fallacy – At the beginning

of the poem, Nature seems to be a
friend, aware of his presence and
giving him company.
As the figure reaches the peak,
Nature changes, and becomes
more threatening. Pathetic Fallacy
creates the relatable imagery of a
Lexical Field of Light – Start of the poem – represents the beauty
threatening figure, even creating
the sense that the mountain is and joy of Nature; the light it gives is almost magical. Suggestion
of oxymoron (glittering idly) represents that the naïve figure does
chasing after him.
not see the truth in the light?
Change in Nature’s behaviour
represents change in Wordsworth’s Middle (line 16) – stars and the grey sky – clear representation of
understanding of it - it is not the beauty of Nature, and its potential dullness (to humans) – does
this show our lack of understanding of Nature? Could we see the
always a friend, but can be
stars and their beauty without the sky to make them clear?
dangerous if not treated with care
End of the poem – after the figure’s experience of the peak,
(much like the world). Sense that by
darkness sets in – sense of understanding of the threat of Nature,
the end of the poem, the peak is a
as well as its beauty. Might represent Wordsworth becoming a
reminder of what the real world is
like – has the figure grown up and man, and realising the complexity of the world, and its shades o
darkness. Nature fulfilling the role of parent to the orphaned poet.
lost their innocence? Generates a
respect for Nature, and a sense of
Simile – Figure creates the relatable imagery of the swan to reflect Generates an understanding of the importance of Nature in
the grace and ease with which they row – makes the scene seem Wordsworth’s life – helps us understand that Nature is neither
sympathy, as the figure seems to peaceful and relaxing. Later, the peak becomes like a living thing – good nor evil, like life.
have lost the innocence of creates a sense of threat, as we can imagine how huge and terrifying
childhood. that must be. Irony of using Nature to represent man-made objects
(boat) and Man to represent Nature (the peak) – does this reflect
Nature also personified (Her) – Wordsworth’s desire to form a relationship between Man and Nature,
or does it reinforce that the figure is confused as this point as to the
Mother Nature – replacing his relationship between Nature and Man (does he think he can control
mother as a nurturer and carer? it)? Generates a respect for Nature, and an understanding that
Parent role of raising the figure? Nature and Man are not the same.
 Message: The poem tells, through a story told by a jealous Count who had his wife killed (for treating everyone with the same amount of friendliness) how power can
corrupt people into believing they are worth more than they are, and from stopping the world being a better place.

Context:
Poem loosely based on the Duke
Form – Dramatic Monologue – told by the Duke himself, discussing a portrait of his late wife,
of Ferrara – 16th Century. and his relationship. At the beginning, the poem seems to have a light, lyrical tone (it is in
Browning fascinated with the Heroic Couplets) which contrasts sharply with the dark tone the poem takes – the Duke had his
Renaissance – a period of wife murdered. The form, mixed with the tone (Metre) reflects the contrast of power – those
intellectual revolution in art,
who have it often do not have the vision or compassion to use it fairly. As the poem goes on,
literature and politics. Favoured
those who could see beyond their the intention is to shock the reader, leaving them with a feeling of resentment towards the
life, and could create new things in Duke, and possible those in power who hold back others.
the world. The Duke clearly is not
one of these people. Synecdoche – part of body
representing all. ‘Fra Pandolf’s
Pronouns – first person and third
hands’.
person – referring to himself and
The Duke sees the artist, who was a
his former wife.
friar (religious leader) as nothing
but a tool for his aims – only the
The first person pronouns, present
hands that made the painting
throughout the poem, reflect the
matter. Could this reflect how
control that the Duke seeks to have
selfish he is? Or could it be because
over his wife’s memory – everything
of his all consuming jealousy for his
has to be recalled through his point
wife – he only thinks of the hands
of view.
because all other thoughts are on
his wife?
After the first line, the Duchess is
only mentioned through pronouns
Sense of resentment towards the
(except in line 15, when he speaks
jealous Duke, who is clearly self-
of her sitting for the painting). This
centred.
suggests the lack of personal depth
in their relationship, and his lack of
remorse at her no longer being Vocab:
alive. Countenance – face
Earnest – honest and true
Reflects the distance in the Durst – dared
relationship – as the poem Courtesy – good manners
develops, we see how the Duke Officious – interfering
created that distance by not Repetition – ‘stoop’ – ‘bow down to’ Trifling – something
speaking to his wife about his The Duke is clearly obsessed with a sense of pride – he uses the word to show how he is above showing his anger for
unimportant
feelings – he cared more for his wife disrespecting his name, by receiving it with as much pleasure and respect as any other gift. The addition of
the adverb ‘never’ shows how the Duke’s pride stopped him from doing the right thing – he would not lower himself Munificence – generosity
himself and his pride than her. Dowry – gift before marriage
to admitting he was angry, nor would he ever have allowed himself to be honest with his wife.
Sense of frustration towards the jealous Duke, who was too proud to be honest with his wife, and was so obsessed
Sense of resentment towards the with his pride that he had her killed.
jealous Duke.
 Form – Elegy – poem of lamentation – Reflects the mourning for the Caesura and Enjambment – seen throughout the poem – Caesura
lost lives of the soldiers. reflects the unpredictable, start-stop, nature of war. Might also
Partial, slant rhyme throughout – reflects the disconnect between reflect the continued opportunities that the soldiers have to reflect, or
what people thought of war, and what it ended up being for the perhaps the disintegration of their mental health.
soldiers. Might also reflect the inconsistent action and rhythm of war – Enjambment reflects the endlessness of war, and the lives of the
it has some structure, but not the structure we expect. soldiers – at times when they think they should move and act, war
Generates a sense of understanding for the reader, as they see the keeps them where they are; the wait seems to go on forever, but
unexpected consequences of war – this creates a great deal of often ends soon after.
sympathy and pathos. Generates a sense of understanding for the reader, as they see the
unexpected consequences of war – this creates a great deal of
sympathy and pathos.
Personification – Pathetic Fallacy –
Seen throughout the poem – makes
Nature and the elements seem like a
threatening, silent enemy. Link with
the lexical field of violence shows
how Owen presents Nature as the
true enemy of humanity in War, not
humans to each other.
This silent assassin is reinforced with
the alliteration of the ‘f’ sound in
Stanza 5 – fricative sound makes the
stealth and secrecy of war more
clear and threatening. Perhaps
Owen uses Nature as a metaphor for
the mental health impacts of war?
Image of the frost ‘fasten’ing on the Anaphora – ‘but nothing happens’ – Repetition reinforces the
soldiers and war – could this monotony of war. At the start, it might seem like a relief – there is no
represent PTSD? danger. However, as the poem continues, a sense of frustration and
Generates a sense of sympathy for concern sets in. At the end of the poem, the meaning might change to
the impacts of war; sense of shock at reflect the feeling that we have learned little from conflict and war,
the hidden enemies of war. and we are doomed to repeat these mistakes.
Epistophe – ‘dying’ – reflects the different types of dying in the poem
– the soldiers are not physically dying, but the poem reveals the slow
death the soldiers experience due to the mental health effects of
war. As the poem continues, it might reflect their PTSD, and their slow
death, and the loss of faith in God – how could their faith not fade?
Generates a sense of understanding for the reader, as they see the
unexpected consequences of war – this creates a great deal of
sympathy and pathos.
Form – Blank Verse – single stanza – Reflects the
Power and order in Nature – lack of rhyme
representative of the lack of predictability from our
perspective. Single stanza reflects the need for
Humanity to stand together against Nature (or is
against extremists/prejudice?); might also represent
how the world is one, no matter what is in it? Sense of
togetherness, and respect for Nature and its power.

Pathetic Fallacy – Giving human characteristics to

Nature. Reflects the power of Nature, and creates a
Oxymoron – words placed next to each other with
figure – makes it more relatable to the reader.
different meanings – highlights difference, creates
Possible interpretation that Nature can overpower
contrast or sharpened intended effect. Reflects the
Humanity?. Sense of understanding of the Power of
great serenity and peace in Nature, along with its
Nature, in that the world will reform itself, no matter
unpredictability, and capacity to destroy; Nature can
what we do – sense of awe?.
be both live-giving and destructive, often with little
warning. Sense of understanding of the Power of
Nature, in that the world will reform itself, no matter
what we do – sense of awe?.

Lexical Field of War – Reflects the possible violence

and destructive power of Nature over Humanity – this
is not a war we are winning! Also, reflects that in the
face of Nature’s power, we can only defend
ourselves, and hope for the best – Nature is the
aggressor when we want it to be. Irony of the
oxymorons reflects that we cannot understand Nature,
let alone defend ourselves against it. Sense of
understanding of the Power of Nature, in that the
world will reform itself, no matter what we do – sense
of awe?.
Caesura and enjambment – scattered Form – Free Verse; no rhyme or Prosody; this
throughout; Caesura represents the times reflects that like the poem, war is not structured, it
that the soldier (and the reader) can is chaotic; the soldiers would have thought that
pause to think about things – the random war was organised and well-led – like the poem,
placement tells us how unpredictable war it does not match out expectations. Sense of
is. Enjambment – reflects the soldier’s remorse or sadness; sympathy; pathos
running, creating breathlessness with the
reader. Sympathy and Empathy.

Simile – creates relatable imagery of the

soldier’s fear during the conflict. The pride,
represented by the ‘patriotic tear’ has
become fear and panic, and has taken over
Metaphor – the soldier has no power or his feelings; the simile suggests that his new
choice in the battle – he is being told what fear (which was inspiration before) is
to do by his generals (the hand). The clock weighing him down – this will slow him
could be the government or God/Fate – down, and make him an easier target.
the soldier does not understand why Sympathy for the soldier; indignation
anyone would put him in this position, or towards the government for putting the
allow him to be in this position; the soldiers in this situation.
adjective ‘cold’ represents that the decision-
makers have no compassion or care for
human life. Sympathy because of the lack
of choice given to the soldier, and because
of what will probably happen to him.
Form – Dramatic Monologue – told from the point of In Media Res – starting the poem in the middle of Caesura and Enjambment – throughout the poem.
view of a figure who has taken part in a conflict (in the story. Reinforces the conversational style of The placement reflects the conversational style of
this case, the Gulf War – against Iraq for invading the poem, whilst also offering hints that these the poem, making it seem more realistic. However,
Kuwait). The form allows the poem to have a personal traumatic experiences have been felt by the Caesura on line 4, 9, 13, 17, 18, 22, 23 reflects
tone, as the personal pronouns make the figure’s soldier many times before. Sense of deepening the soldier’s thoughts and guilt – when he pauses to
experiences seem authentic and real; also, the Pathos towards the soldier when we learn what think about what happened, he cannot get rid of
conversational tone of the poem, with broken happened, and concern for his mental wellbeing. his doubts about what he did. Could the
sentences, easy to understand diction, and with the enjambment, which has been intentionally placed
lack of rhyme and prosody, makes the account seem by the poet, reflect the endless memories and guilt
more realistic, as a soldier would not necessarily of the soldier? Sense of deepening Pathos towards
consider such things when reporting their memories. the soldier as the poem progresses/sense of
Sense of deepening Pathos towards the soldier as the immersion in their story.
poem progresses/sense of immersion in their story.
Isocolon – ‘Blink/Sleep/Dream’ – reflects that at all of these
Antanaclasis – ‘bloody’ – Final line of the poem times when the figure is supposed to be resting or thinking
summarises the figure’s thought process – he feels a of other things, he is haunted by the memory of what
sense of frustration towards the victim, possibly happened – as he goes deeper into the unconscious, his guilt
because he didn’t think he should have killed him, or grows (when he is awake, the man is a criminal, when he
because he is frustrated that his death has haunted sleeps, doubt creeps in, and when he dreams, he sees the
him forever (perhaps he is exhausted by the memory horror of what he did). Sense of deepening Pathos towards
of it); second meaning reflects the soldier’s sense of the soldier at the end of the poem, as well as a surprising
guilt – he feels responsible for what he did (blood is a level of sympathy for the criminal who was killed.
metaphor for guilt here), despite three soldiers
opening fire. Allusion to Macbeth – sense that the guilt Metaphor – ‘Blood-shadow’ – Powerful imagery of the
will never leave them. Sense of deepening Pathos memory of the victim – represents the long-lasting
towards the soldier at the end of the poem. memory and impact that his death has had on the figure –
imagery of the shadow reflects the absence of light (life)
Personification of the bullet. Shows the deep that the soldier is responsible for; blood represents his
connection that the soldier has with the death – feels guilt. That he has to walk over the place repeatedly
responsible, as his bullets have taken his life away; reinforces his guilt, as well as foreshadowing the mental
verb ‘rip’ suggests that the soldier views his actions as revisiting that the soldier will experience when he is home.
violent and savage, possibly unnecessary. Sense of Sense of deepening Pathos towards the soldier at the end
deepening Pathos towards the soldier when we learn of the poem, as we can see how his mental trauma
what happened, and concern for his mental wellbeing. developed.
Juxtaposition between the actual act and the impact. When
describing the event, it is very simple, colloquial and
matter-of-fact. However, more evocative imagery is used
when discussing the trauma and impact of the event – this
shows the potentially soul-altering effect of the soldier
carrying out his job – his account as a soldier differs
greatly from his trauma as a person. Sense of deepening
Pathos towards the soldier when we learn what happened,
and concern for his mental wellbeing.
 Message: The poem shows the hidden impacts of war on those who experience it at all levels, and the lack of care that those in power, and back home, have for those who
suffer at war, when their lives are comfortable.

Context:
Carol Ann Duffy is a poet who shows truths about hidden Metaphors – create relatable imagery throughout the
parts of the world.
Her friend was a photographer, who was tasked with
poem.
capturing images of war – she wanted to unlock the truth of
what they experienced. ‘Spools of suffering set out in ordered rows’ –
represents the film from his camera, with images of
Form – Dramatic Monologue – told from the point of death and destruction. Imagery creates idea of dead
view of a figure whose job is to photograph images of bodies, buried in a cemetery.
war for a newspaper. The form allows the poem to
feel personal, as we see the juxtaposition between the ‘All flesh is grass’ – represents how his memories of
development of the photographs at home, and the war are filled with death and destruction – he seemed
memories of what he has seen. This sharpens the sense to walk on the bodies of the dead.
of tragedy in the poem, as well as making it more
relatable to the reader. Sense of deepening Pathos ‘half-formed ghost’ – represents the photograph being
towards the photographer as the poem developed; might reflect memories of the people he
progresses/sense of immersion in their story. has seen die and suffer – perhaps they are half-
formed because he never truly understood them, so
cannot know them – does he feel guilt?
Juxtaposition – images of war with images from home.
The photographer reflects on how easy those back
‘a hundred agonies’ – represents the mass of suffering
home have it, and how little difficulty they face in their
that the photographer has captured – he carries all of
lives.
them with him every day.
This contrast reflects the figure’s frustration in the final
Sense of deepening Pathos towards the photographer
stanza of the poem – the editor selects the best
as they have experienced such awful things.
photos, without caring for the ‘agonies’ of the people;
the reader feels sadness between their relaxed
Sunday morning routine – reflects the hypocrisy of
those back home – they do not really care, and do not
understand like the photographer does. Sense of
sympathy towards the photographer, as his frustration
is understandable; sense of indignation towards
developed societies for not paying proper attention to
suffering?
Form – Free Verse – the poem seems to form no fixed
rules of rhyme or prosody (structure). This might reflect Punctuation – consistent Caesura and
the endless possibilities that paper has – it can have Enjambment– Lines flow in an almost natural
any form, and no form. Perhaps it also represents that way from one to the next – does this reflect
the world as it is, though it seems to, has no real that the power of Humanity flows from
structure; is this because it will be reformed anyway? generation to generation, or to each part of the
Sense of understanding of the Power of Nature, in world? Caesura creates opportunities for the
that the world will reform itself, no matter what we do reader to pause and reflect with the poet,
– sense of awe?. building up the effective imagery and ideas –
possible irony that the poet builds up their
message in the same way they say paper can
Conceit – Paper – represents all the uses of paper – it be used? Reader is supposed to realise their
can be used to record great thoughts, memories, role in the world (they should try and move the
information (maps), records of sales and even us – world on, rather than become obsessed with
paper, like humanity, has so many incredible qualities, material things) and try to enjoy it.
and has been so flexible in how it has adapted to the
world. Perhaps it also represents how things were
simpler in the past, with more significant things being Lexical field of construction – ‘architect’; ‘brick
recorded – comment on how humanity has lost sight of or block’; ‘grand design’– Contrast between
this bigger picture? Dharker seems to be more positive what we use now – imagery is simple and
about paper’s ability to record great events – have linear – nothing special can be made – is this
we lost our way? Are we too consumed with shallow, what our society creates? By using the paper
materialistic gain, than we should be about moving the (humanity’s potential and ability), amazing
world forward? Reflect on humanity’s power to things could be created – allusion to God
influence the world – perhaps desire a move back to (‘grand design with living tissue’) – are we not
the past? fulfilling our divine purpose? Reader is
supposed to realise the potential they have,
and that their current world is not using it.

Quartets (before final line) – Does this reflect

the orthodox shape of paper – it has remained
broadly the same through time (like Humanity)
– though the structure is the same, the potential
for use is almost endless. Final line converts the
image clearly into us – we have all of the
potential and greatness of paper (humanity) –
it is what we do with it now that counts. Reader
is supposed to realise the potential they have,
and that their current world is not using it.
 Form – Free Verse – no fixed rhyme, line length, or
Juxtaposition – placing contrasting ideas in the same
prosody – Might reflect the lack of structure in the
line or sentence – Consistent juxtaposition of how the
life of someone who has emigrated, as they are
city is remembered by the figure, and the reality of
without the structures that home often provides.
the situation – links to the conflict between
Three stanzas – each seems to reflect a part of the
Imagination and Convention. In the figure’s mind,
poet - the memory of their life before, how they
they only remember the city as a positive place, but
carried memories with them, and how their memories
Convention (reality) wants to show them that it is not
are held even in their new life. Perhaps this
what they remembered – they refuse to do this, as to
strengthens the resolve of the figure not to let go of
do so would be too painful. In the final stanza, this
their memories?
conflict becomes defiance – the figure’s sadness at
Generates a sense of sympathy for those who have
the reality of her city, which they become aware of
had to flee their homes; perhaps allows us to
now, and the ‘shadow’ shows that there was light,
empathise with them?
after all.
Sense of sympathy for the figure, and respect as
they have not left their positive memories behind.
Synaesthesia – Using more than one sense – Imagery
relates to the positive memories of the city. The
Epistrophe – ending lines with the same word/phrase
memory of their previous life is so strong that it has
– ‘sunlight’– Serves as a reminder of the figures
spread across their senses, emphasizing their love for
determination to remember their city in the most
what they no longer have.
positive way – the city will only ever be
Reflection of sunlight and the Synaesthesia might also
remembered in a positive way.
create a sense of confusion, possibly due to the child-
Creates a sense of defiance – as the reasons to
like way in which the figure describes their memories.
change their memories grow (reality in Stanza Two,
Perhaps the poet is suggesting that the figure doesn’t
memory of the oppression in Stanza Three), the
quite understand the reasons why they left, or the
figure refuses to give up, and always ends
reality of their life – Synaesthesia might reflect this
remembering the positives.
mixed-up, confused, state of mind.
Sense of sympathy for the figure, and respect as
Respect for the figure, as their love has remained
they have not left their positive memories behind.
despite the trauma of having to leave.
Anthropomorphism – giving non-human feature human
Ellipsis – ‘…’ – creates tension as a cliffhanger – starts characteristics – city as a person – The city seems to be like
the poem in the first line – creates the image of a fairy a defenceless child (this creates a sense of indignation
tale – does this indicate from the very beginning that the towards those who have corrupted it), and the figures
figure has embraced their imagination over convention? takes pleasure in looking after it, and giving it the love
Might also create a sense of loss – the ellipsis tails off, they think it deserves.
which creates a sense of loss – perhaps the city which Possible mixture of roles – as a person, and almost as a
they loved no longer exists – they have to go to their child/animal - does this reflect that the city needs to be
memories for the city. taken care of, or of the confused state of the figure – they
Sense of sympathy for the figure, as they are desperate will use almost any image that will present the city in a
to remain positive about their city. positive light? Final stanza is a dream –
confusion/desperation??
Sense of sympathy for the figure, as they are desperate to
remain positive about their city.
Form – Free Verse – the poem is supposed to be read in whatever way the reader chooses – they decide on the times at which they pause –
reflects Agard’s wish for a society that is allowed to choose for itself. Rhyme that exists gives the poem a lyrical, rhythmic quality, reflecting Enjambment – no punctuation in the poem
Agard’s Creole background – occasionally creates the rhythm of a nursery rhyme – is it just pleasing, or is it sending the message that this – Poet allows the reader to place their
unfairness has been in place since birth? own pauses where they wish – gives the
In stanzas about the figures of colour from history – the shortened line length speeds up the reading, making these sections have a greater reader the power that society has never
sense of urgency and rhythm – perhaps it reflects the huge difference between their history and what we are taught? Perhaps it is to show given them. The poet wants to make it
the rhythm and beauty in their history, or that he has to squeeze in as much as he can in the short space society will allow him? clear that even though those in power in
Generates a sense of indignation towards those in society who are holding us back from all of history – sense of pride for them. society have tried to enforce their own
view on history

Lack of ending of the lines might reflect

the endless unfairness and discrimination
Anaphora – repetition of the opening
that has been in place in how history is
word of a line or stanza ‘dem tell me’ –
taught - end of the poem leads the
As it is written in Agard’s Creole dialect,
reader to want to take on his fight, as
it immediately creates a sense of
they are given the chance to.
distance between those in power in
society and the figure of the poem. Use
Generates a sense of indignation
of the pronous also reflects that ‘dem’
towards those in society who are holding
(third person) and ‘me’ (first person) are
us back from all of history – sense of
in an unequal relationship – we are only
pride for them.
taught what those in power want us to
know, not all of history.
Metaphors – Agard compares figures of
colour from history, using positive,
Anaphora is broken up by repetition of
relatable imagery.
‘never’ – ‘but dem never tell me’ – this
reflects the poet’s indignation at having
For each figure, imagery relating to light
the history of people of colour withheld
and freedom is used – these are figures
from him – could it also suggest that a
who provided goodness to the world,
change is not something he can see
who healed others, and inspired them to
happening?
follow. Relatable imagery helps the
reader, who has not been allowed to
Generates a sense of indignation
learn about these figures, to understand
towards those in society who are holding
the power and light that they brought to
us back from all of history – sense of
lives.
pride for them.
Generates a sense of indignation
towards those in society who are holding
us back from all of history – sense of
pride for them.
Form – Dramatic Monologue – figure is the child of a pilot in the Imperial Air Force who was supposed to be a Kamikaze pilot, but returned
home. Form is represented through a lack of rhyme and metre – this makes the poem’s story seem more realistic and relatable. As the poem
develops, we see that she is thinking of her mother’s retelling of the story, then telling his story in her own words (the italics), which makes the
poem seem even more realistic and authentic. When reading, the intention is for the reader to feel a sense of Pathos towards the pilot, who
came home and lost all honour, and sympathy for the figure, who has had to deal with the shame of her father’s actions.

Lists – in Stanza One, reflecting the things

he took with him; in Stanza 5, all of the Metaphor – ‘the dark prince’ It is
sea creatures left at home. The lists reflect unclear where the image comes from,
the different paths of the men in the family as it suggests power and danger. It
– the first list reflects all of the material
might come from their society, where
things that got the father to be a pilot. The
second list shows all of the natural bounty tuna is respected as a powerful
(good things) in his past that, when creature of the sea; it might also be
compared, seem more magical than the from the perspective of the mother,
items that convinced him to be a kamikaze who blames the powerful memories
pilot. When reading, the intention is for the of the fish in the sea for convincing
reader to feel a sense of sympathy for the the father to change his mind. When
pilot – the beauty of Nature, which he is
reading, the intention is for the
unwilling to give up, is much more powerful
than the items that were given to him to reader to feel a sense of sympathy
convince him to die. for the pilot – the beauty of Nature,
which he is unwilling to give up, is
Caesura – throughout the poem – much more powerful than the items
particularly in Stanza 4, when the figure that were given to him to convince
speaks to her own children. Gives the
him to die.
poem a more natural flow, making the
poem seem authentic. Might also reflect Simile – ‘strung out like bunting’ relatable image which
the pauses and reflections the figure has allows the reader to picture the distance away the pilot
– she has to support her mother’s
is from the boats. To the mother, they are images of
decision to disown the father as she is
celebration, thanking the father for his sacrifice.
honourable, but struggles with her love
for him. Final two lines suggest that this is Perhaps to the father, he interpreted them as invitations
something she thinks about often. When to come home, and not die as he should have. When
reading, the intention is for the reader to reading, the intention is for the reader to feel a sense
feel a sense of sympathy for the figure, of sympathy for the pilot, and indignation towards the
as she is conflicted about how she should mother, for her feeling of shame at the pilot’s decision
feel towards both of her parents. not to die.