Page 1: Comparing 'Bayonet Charge' and 'Remains'
This page provides a comprehensive comparison of the poems 'Bayonet Charge' by Ted Hughes and 'Remains' by Simon Armitage, focusing on their themes, context, and structure.
Summary of 'Bayonet Charge'
The poem portrays a soldier thrust unprepared into battle, experiencing confusion and fear. It describes a moment of philosophical reflection interrupted by the harsh reality of war, symbolized by a suffering hare. The soldier ultimately continues his charge, filled with terror.
Highlight: The poem's central theme is the soldier's unpreparedness and confusion in the face of battle.
Summary of 'Remains'
This poem explores the long-lasting psychological impact of war on a soldier who is haunted by the memory of shooting a bank robber. It raises awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the enduring mental scars of combat.
Highlight: The poem focuses on the psychological aftermath of war and its impact on soldiers' mental health.
Context
Ted Hughes, the author of 'Bayonet Charge', was influenced by the post-war era and the experiences of his father, who fought in the war. Simon Armitage's 'Remains' was inspired by a Channel 4 documentary about PTSD, focusing on the Iraq War.
Definition: PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event.
Structural Analysis
'Bayonet Charge' employs a chaotic structure with enjambment to mirror the confusion of war. The poem's pace changes between stanzas, reflecting the soldier's shifting mental state.
Vocabulary: Enjambment is the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line of poetry to the next without a pause.
'Remains' also uses enjambment to create tension and convey the speaker's inability to separate traumatic events. Caesura is employed to show how memories of war interrupt the soldier's everyday life.
Vocabulary: Caesura is a pause or break in the middle of a line of poetry.
Quote Analysis
The document compares the quotes "Suddenly, he awoke and was running" from 'Bayonet Charge' and "probably armed, possibly not" from 'Remains'. These quotes highlight the lack of preparation soldiers face in war.
Quote: "Suddenly, he awoke and was running" (Bayonet Charge)
This quote emphasizes the soldier's disorientation and the abrupt nature of his entry into battle.
