Themes and Ideas

The Bayonet Charge poem and Kamikaze poem both explore the psychological turmoil of soldiers in wartime. In Bayonet Charge, we see a soldier experiencing a moment of clarity during combat, questioning his role and purpose. The poem captures the sense of regret and fear that overwhelms him, yet he continues his charge out of necessity for survival.

Highlight: The soldier in Bayonet Charge experiences a sudden awakening from a "sleep-like state of stillness," symbolizing a moment of realization amidst the chaos of war.

Kamikaze presents a different perspective, focusing on a pilot who decides against completing his suicide mission. This poem delves into themes of honor, family, and the consequences of choosing life over a culturally mandated sacrifice.

Quote: "a huge flag waved first one way | then the other in a figure of eight"

This imagery in Kamikaze symbolizes the eternal nature of the pilot's decision and its consequences.

Structure and Form

The structure of Bayonet Charge reflects the chaotic nature of combat. While it appears to have a formal shape, the internal structure of the lines is irregular, mirroring the disorientation of the soldier.

Example: The poem starts in medias res with "Suddenly he awoke," immediately plunging the reader into the action.

Kamikaze employs a more flowing structure, consisting of only three sentences. This structure mimics the pilot's train of thought as he moves from observations of his surroundings to memories of his past.

Highlight: The use of italic font in Kamikaze marks the shift to the woman's own words, adding a personal dimension to the narrative.

Language Features

Both poems make extensive use of imagery, particularly animal imagery, to convey the experiences of the soldiers. In Bayonet Charge, the soldier is compared to a wounded hare, emphasizing his vulnerability and instinct for survival.

Quote: "Like a man who has jumped up in the dark and runs | Listening between his footfalls for the reason | Of his still running"

Kamikaze uses the image of a tuna fish, possibly symbolizing the pilot's future as an outcast from society.

Vocabulary: Juxtaposition - The placement of contrasting elements side by side for emphasis.

The poem juxtaposes the image of a single fish with the idea of shoals, highlighting the pilot's isolation.

Tone and Attitude

Bayonet Charge maintains a tone of urgency and panic throughout, reflecting the soldier's state of mind during combat. The fast-paced and rushed language contributes to this atmosphere of chaos and fear.

Kamikaze, in contrast, begins with a calmer tone, describing the ocean and fishing boats. However, this tranquility is undercut by the knowledge of the pilot's mission and the eventual consequences of his decision.

Definition: Tone - The author's attitude towards the subject, conveyed through word choice and style.

The tones of both poems effectively convey the internal struggles of the protagonists, highlighting the complex emotions associated with warfare and personal choice in the face of societal expectations.