Page 4: The Return and Its Consequences

Page 4 of the Analysis of Beatrice Garland's Kamikaze poem focuses on the pilot's return and the severe social consequences he faces. This section explores the themes of social ostracism, family dynamics, and the lasting impact of the pilot's decision.

The poem shifts to describe the pilot's return and its aftermath:

Quote: "And though he came back my mother never spoke again in his presence, nor did she meet his eyes"

This powerful imagery illustrates the profound impact of the pilot's decision on his family:

1. The mother's silence and averted gaze symbolize the shame and disappointment felt by the family.
2. It highlights the cultural expectations and the severe consequences of failing to fulfill one's duty.

The community's reaction is also described:

Quote: "and the neighbours too, they treated him as though he no longer existed"

This social ostracism emphasizes:

1. The collective nature of shame in Japanese culture.
2. The severe psychological punishment for those who failed to complete their kamikaze missions.

The children's initial reaction and gradual change are noted:

Quote: "only we children still chattered and laughed till gradually we too learned to be silent"

This progression illustrates:

1. The innocence of children initially unaffected by social norms.
2. The gradual indoctrination of children into societal expectations and judgments.
3. The long-term, intergenerational impact of war and cultural expectations.

The page concludes with a poignant reflection on the pilot's possible thoughts:

Quote: "And sometimes, she said, he must have wondered which had been the better way to die."

This final statement:

1. Highlights the psychological torment experienced by the pilot.
2. Questions whether physical death might have been preferable to social death.
3. Emphasizes the complexity of choices made in wartime and their lasting consequences.

This section of the poem powerfully illustrates the themes and symbolism in Kamikaze by Beatrice Garland, particularly the conflict between individual choice and societal expectations, and the lasting impact of war on families and communities.

Page 6: Conclusion and Overall Thematic Analysis

The final page of the Analysis of Beatrice Garland's Kamikaze poem provides a comprehensive overview of the poem's themes, symbolism, and literary techniques. It ties together the various elements explored throughout the analysis to present a cohesive understanding of the poem's significance.

The major themes of the poem are summarized:

1. The conflict between duty and personal desire
2. The power of memory and natural beauty in influencing crucial decisions
3. The lasting impact of war on individuals, families, and communities
4. The complexity of honor and shame in Japanese culture

The poem's use of symbolism is revisited:

Example: The contrast between the "samurai sword" and the "flask of water" in the opening stanza symbolizes the choice between death and life that the pilot ultimately faces.

The narrative structure of the poem is analyzed for its effectiveness:

Highlight: The shift from third-person to first-person narration allows for both an objective and deeply personal exploration of the pilot's experience and its aftermath.

The poem's exploration of cultural expectations and their consequences is examined:

1. The severe social ostracism faced by the pilot upon his return
2. The gradual indoctrination of the children into societal norms
3. The silent suffering of the family, particularly the mother's reaction

The final lines of the poem are given special attention:

Quote: "And sometimes, she said, he must have wondered which had been the better way to die."

This powerful conclusion:

1. Encapsulates the ongoing psychological torment experienced by the pilot
2. Questions the nature of honor and the cost of defying societal expectations
3. Leaves the reader with a profound sense of the complexity of wartime decisions and their long-lasting impact

The page concludes by reflecting on the poem's relevance to contemporary discussions about war, duty, and the human cost of conflict. It emphasizes how the Kamikaze poem dramatic monologue exploration allows for a nuanced examination of these complex issues through a deeply personal lens.

This final analysis reinforces the depth and complexity of Garland's poem, highlighting its ability to explore universal themes through a specific historical and cultural context.