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19 Jan 2026

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Remains Poem Analysis PDF for GCSE English - Line by Line and Full Poem

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Aleksandra Golowska

@hola_soy_ola

The poem "Remains" by Simon Armitage explores the psychological impact... Show more

# colloquial Language Ispeaking voice
# half rhymes
Language
violence
GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE
PAST AND PRESENT: POETRY ANTHOLOGY

Simon
Armi

Page 2: Aftermath and Psychological Impact

The second page of the "Remains poem Analysis PDF" delves deeper into the long-term psychological effects of the incident on the soldier. The poem shifts from recounting the event to exploring its aftermath, particularly focusing on the development of PTSD.

The soldier's inability to escape the memory is vividly portrayed through recurring imagery. The looter "bursts again through the doors of the bank" in the soldier's dreams, demonstrating how traumatic experiences can intrude into everyday life.

Quote: "Sleep, and he's probably armed, possibly not. / Dream, and he's torn apart by a dozen rounds."

This section emphasizes the theme of guilt, showing how the soldier is haunted by his actions even when he returns home. The repetition of "bloody" in the final line underscores the inescapable nature of his guilt.

Highlight: The poem explores the theme of guilt through vivid imagery and repetition, showcasing the soldier's struggle to come to terms with his actions.

The structure of the poem changes in the final stanzas, breaking the established pattern. This shift reflects the soldier's fractured mental state and suggests that the psychological damage cannot be easily repaired.

Example: The break in the poem's structure in the final stanza mirrors the soldier's broken state of mind.

Simon Armitage's use of metaphors, such as the looter being "dug in behind enemy lines" in the soldier's head, powerfully conveys the persistent nature of traumatic memories.

Definition: Metaphor - A figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn't literally true, but helps explain an idea or make a comparison.

The poem concludes with a stark image of the soldier feeling the looter's "bloody life in my bloody hands," emphasizing the lasting impact of war on those who fight it.

# colloquial Language Ispeaking voice
# half rhymes
Language
violence
GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE
PAST AND PRESENT: POETRY ANTHOLOGY

Simon
Armi

Page 1: Introduction and Incident

The first page of the "Remains" poem analysis PDF introduces the reader to Simon Armitage's powerful exploration of war's psychological impact. The poem begins abruptly, immersing us in the soldier's narrative.

The opening lines set the scene of a military operation to stop looters raiding a bank. The use of colloquial language immediately establishes a conversational tone, making the soldier's account feel authentic and relatable.

Highlight: The poem's structure starts abruptly, as if in the middle of a conversation or interview, reflecting the fragmented nature of traumatic memories.

The soldier describes how he and two others open fire on a fleeing looter. The vivid imagery in lines 11-12, "I swear / I see every round as it rips through his life," emphasizes the brutal reality of combat.

Quote: "Three of a kind all letting fly, and I swear / I see every round as it rips through his life"

This graphic description continues with the looter being "sort of inside out," a phrase that captures both the physical damage and the soldier's emotional disturbance.

Vocabulary: PTSD PostTraumaticStressDisorderPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder - A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event.

The use of half-rhymes throughout the poem creates a sense of unease, mirroring the soldier's mental state. The repetition of "blood" in various forms foreshadows the lasting impact of this event on the soldier's psyche.

Example: Half-rhymes like "fly/life" and "lorry/agony" create a discordant rhythm, reflecting the soldier's inner turmoil.



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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

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Elisha

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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

English Literature

404

19 Jan 2026

2 pages

Remains Poem Analysis PDF for GCSE English - Line by Line and Full Poem

user profile picture

Aleksandra Golowska

@hola_soy_ola

The poem "Remains" by Simon Armitage explores the psychological impact of war on a soldier, focusing on a specific incident involving the shooting of a looter. The poem vividly depicts the soldier's struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and guilt.... Show more

# colloquial Language Ispeaking voice
# half rhymes
Language
violence
GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE
PAST AND PRESENT: POETRY ANTHOLOGY

Simon
Armi

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

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Page 2: Aftermath and Psychological Impact

The second page of the "Remains poem Analysis PDF" delves deeper into the long-term psychological effects of the incident on the soldier. The poem shifts from recounting the event to exploring its aftermath, particularly focusing on the development of PTSD.

The soldier's inability to escape the memory is vividly portrayed through recurring imagery. The looter "bursts again through the doors of the bank" in the soldier's dreams, demonstrating how traumatic experiences can intrude into everyday life.

Quote: "Sleep, and he's probably armed, possibly not. / Dream, and he's torn apart by a dozen rounds."

This section emphasizes the theme of guilt, showing how the soldier is haunted by his actions even when he returns home. The repetition of "bloody" in the final line underscores the inescapable nature of his guilt.

Highlight: The poem explores the theme of guilt through vivid imagery and repetition, showcasing the soldier's struggle to come to terms with his actions.

The structure of the poem changes in the final stanzas, breaking the established pattern. This shift reflects the soldier's fractured mental state and suggests that the psychological damage cannot be easily repaired.

Example: The break in the poem's structure in the final stanza mirrors the soldier's broken state of mind.

Simon Armitage's use of metaphors, such as the looter being "dug in behind enemy lines" in the soldier's head, powerfully conveys the persistent nature of traumatic memories.

Definition: Metaphor - A figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn't literally true, but helps explain an idea or make a comparison.

The poem concludes with a stark image of the soldier feeling the looter's "bloody life in my bloody hands," emphasizing the lasting impact of war on those who fight it.

# colloquial Language Ispeaking voice
# half rhymes
Language
violence
GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE
PAST AND PRESENT: POETRY ANTHOLOGY

Simon
Armi

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Page 1: Introduction and Incident

The first page of the "Remains" poem analysis PDF introduces the reader to Simon Armitage's powerful exploration of war's psychological impact. The poem begins abruptly, immersing us in the soldier's narrative.

The opening lines set the scene of a military operation to stop looters raiding a bank. The use of colloquial language immediately establishes a conversational tone, making the soldier's account feel authentic and relatable.

Highlight: The poem's structure starts abruptly, as if in the middle of a conversation or interview, reflecting the fragmented nature of traumatic memories.

The soldier describes how he and two others open fire on a fleeing looter. The vivid imagery in lines 11-12, "I swear / I see every round as it rips through his life," emphasizes the brutal reality of combat.

Quote: "Three of a kind all letting fly, and I swear / I see every round as it rips through his life"

This graphic description continues with the looter being "sort of inside out," a phrase that captures both the physical damage and the soldier's emotional disturbance.

Vocabulary: PTSD PostTraumaticStressDisorderPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder - A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event.

The use of half-rhymes throughout the poem creates a sense of unease, mirroring the soldier's mental state. The repetition of "blood" in various forms foreshadows the lasting impact of this event on the soldier's psyche.

Example: Half-rhymes like "fly/life" and "lorry/agony" create a discordant rhythm, reflecting the soldier's inner turmoil.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

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Most popular content: Manhunt

Most popular content in English Literature

Most popular content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

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4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user