Question 1: Briefly summarize the context of 'Kamikaze' and its main themes.

Answer: The poem reflects on a Japanese pilot's decision during WWII, exploring themes of conflict, honour, and the impact of societal expectations on personal choices.

Question 1: Analyze the line: 'a shaven head full of powerful incantations.' What does this suggest about the pilot's mindset and the cultural context?

Answer: It suggests a sense of ritual and reverence, highlighting the cultural importance of spiritual preparation, and reflects the pilot's mental state as both committed and influenced by tradition.

Question 2: What is the effect of the phrase 'like a huge flag waved first one way then the other' in the poem?

Answer: It uses imagery to depict the pilot's wavering loyalty and internal conflict, emphasizing the tension between duty and personal conscience.

Question 1: Find and explain the metaphor in the line: 'a tuna-fisher's boat strung out like a huge flag.' How does this imagery affect the reader's understanding?

Answer: The metaphor compares the boat to a flag, symbolizing the pilot's connection to national identity and the idea of sacrifice. It evokes imagery of honor and the weight of loyalty.

Question 2: Identify two examples of personification in the poem and discuss their effects.

Answer: One example is 'the dark prince comes with a message,' personifying darkness as a prince, emphasizing the ominous presence. Another is 'the boat's shadow,' giving the boat human-like qualities, creating a haunting mood.

Question 1: How does Garland use imagery to depict the theme of conflict within the pilot? Provide specific examples.

Answer: Imagery such as 'waved first one way then the other' shows internal conflict, while references to 'shaven head' and 'incantations' evoke ritual and mental struggle, illustrating the tension between duty and personal morality.

Question 2: Discuss how the poem's imagery influences the reader's perception of war and sacrifice.

Answer: The vivid imagery of flags, boats, and ritual enhances the sense of honor and tragedy, prompting reflection on the personal costs of war and societal expectations.

Question 1: Quote: 'a huge flag waved first one way then the other.' Analyze the significance of the words 'huge flag' and 'waved' in conveying the poem's themes.

Answer: The phrase 'huge flag' symbolizes national identity and pride, while 'waved' suggests movement and internal conflict, emphasizing the pilot's fluctuating loyalty and the theme of honour versus personal choice.

Question 2: Quote: 'a shaven head full of powerful incantations.' Examine how the words 'powerful incantations' contribute to understanding the pilot's mental state.

Answer: 'Powerful incantations' suggest a sense of ritual and mental focus, implying the pilot's upbringing and cultural influence shape his mindset, adding to the theme of indoctrination.

Question 1: Outline key similarities and differences in how Garland and Shelley present the idea of power through their language and imagery.

Answer: Both poems explore the transient nature of power—Garland shows it as societal and personal conflict, using imagery of flags and rituals, while Shelley depicts it as hubris and decay through ruined statues and desolate landscapes. Garland's language emphasizes internal struggle, whereas Shelley’s emphasizes the impermanence of human achievement.

Question 1: Create an outline or paragraph analyzing the effect of Garland's language choices on the reader's perception of the pilot's moral dilemma.

Answer: Students should discuss how Garland’s vivid imagery, such as the 'huge flag' and 'incantations,' creates a sense of ritual and honor that conflicts with the pilot's internal doubts. The language evokes empathy and prompts reflection on the personal cost of conforming to societal expectations during war, enhancing understanding of the poem’s themes.