Question 1: Briefly explain the historical significance of the term 'kamikaze' and how it relates to Japan's WWII history.

Answer: The term 'kamikaze' refers to Japanese suicide pilots during WWII, symbolizing sacrifice and devotion to the nation.

Question 2: How does the poem 'Kamikaze' reflect Japanese cultural values about honor and sacrifice? Provide specific examples from the poem.

Answer: The poem depicts the pilot's willingness to sacrifice himself for Japan, highlighting themes of honor, duty, and the shame associated with refusal.

Question 3: Identify and interpret the significance of the phrase 'shaven face' in the context of the poem's portrayal of the pilot's identity.

Answer: It symbolizes the loss of individuality and the blending of personal identity with national duty.

Question 4: Quote Explosion: Analyze the quote 'like a huge flag' in terms of imagery and its effect on the reader's understanding of the pilot's role.

Answer: The simile 'like a huge flag' evokes imagery of patriotism and national pride, emphasizing the pilot's role as a symbol of Japan's identity.

Question 5: Discuss how the poem explores themes of conflict between personal identity and societal expectations.

Answer: The poem shows the pilot's internal struggle between his duty to his country and his desire to survive, illustrating the conflict between personal identity and societal expectations.

Question 6: Identify three language devices used in the poem and explain their effects on the reader.

Answer: Metaphor ('like a huge flag' - patriotism), personification ('shaven face' - loss of identity), and imagery ('dark shoals of fishes' - danger and mortality).

Question 7: Compare how the theme of power is portrayed in 'Kamikaze' and another poem from the Power and Conflict anthology, such as 'Ozymandias'.

Answer: Both poems explore the theme of power but in different contexts: 'Ozymandias' depicts the fleeting nature of human power through the ruined statue, while 'Kamikaze' examines the power of national duty over individual choice.

Question 8: Explain how the historical background of WWII influences the tone and mood of the poem.

Answer: The background of war and sacrifice creates a somber, reflective tone, emphasizing themes of loss, shame, and internal conflict.

Question 9: Plan a brief essay comparing 'Kamikaze' with 'The Charge of the Light Brigade', focusing on how each poem presents themes of conflict and sacrifice.

Answer: Both poems depict acts of sacrifice in war; 'Kamikaze' explores personal/internal conflict and shame, while 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' celebrates heroic bravery and unquestioning duty. Compare their tone, language, and portrayal of heroism.

Question 10: What does the poem suggest about the impact of societal expectations on individual choices?

Answer: The poem suggests societal expectations can compel individuals to act against their personal desires, leading to internal conflict and shame.