The Manhuntby Simon Armitage is a powerful poem exploring... Show more
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28 Dec 2025
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The Manhunt Poem - Analysis, Themes, and Context for 10-Year-Olds
Jessica Quinn
@jessicaquinn_
The Manhunt: A Deep Dive into War's Aftermath
Simon Armitage's The Manhunt is a poignant exploration of the physical and psychological scars left by war. The poem, written from the perspective of a soldier's wife, takes us on a journey through the aftermath of conflict and its impact on relationships.
Context: The poem was written as part of a documentary showcasing the effects of PTSD from war. It is based on Eddie Beddoes, a soldier who fought in the Bosnian war and was shot three times, resulting in multiple injuries.
The structure of the poem reflects the gradual process of discovery and healing. Armitage employs anaphora, repeating "only then" at the beginning of several stanzas, to emphasize the slow, cautious nature of the wife's exploration of her husband's wounds.
Highlight: The repetitive structure mirrors the time-consuming process of recovery and the wife's patient, methodical approach to understanding her husband's trauma.
Vivid imagery and extended metaphors are used throughout the poem to convey the extent of the soldier's injuries. For example, "the frozen river which ran through his face" suggests emotional numbness, while "the foetus of metal beneath his chest" graphically describes the bullet lodged in his body.
Quote: "Then I widened the search, / traced the scarring back to its source / to a sweating, unexploded mine / buried deep in his mind"
This powerful metaphor illustrates the psychological trauma (PTSD) that lingers long after the physical wounds have healed. The "unexploded mine" in his mind symbolizes the volatile nature of his mental state and the constant threat of emotional eruption.
Vocabulary: PTSD - A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event, often resulting in flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.
The poem's journey from external, physical wounds to internal, psychological scars emphasizes the comprehensive impact of war on an individual. The wife's careful exploration, moving from "the fractured rudder of shoulder-blade" to the "hurt of his grazed heart," symbolizes her attempt to understand and support her husband through his recovery.
Example: The line "the parachute silk of his punctured lung" uses a simile to compare the delicate, fragile nature of the damaged lung to parachute silk, emphasizing the vulnerability of the soldier's body.
When was The Manhunt written? While the exact date isn't provided, we know it was composed as part of a documentary about the effects of PTSD from war, specifically based on experiences from the Bosnian conflict (1992-1995).
What war is The Manhunt poem based on? The poem is based on the experiences of a soldier who fought in the Bosnian War, which took place in the 1990s.
The final lines, "Then, and only then, did I come close," suggest a breakthrough in understanding and intimacy, offering a glimmer of hope for the couple's future. However, the overall tone of the poem underscores the long-lasting and profound effects of war on both the individual soldier and their relationships.
Highlight: The poem serves as a powerful reminder of the often-overlooked personal costs of war, extending far beyond the battlefield and affecting families and communities for years to come.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 THE SCHOOLGPT. 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 THE SCHOOLGPT. 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 Manhunt Poem - Analysis, Themes, and Context for 10-Year-Olds
Jessica Quinn
@jessicaquinn_
The Manhunt by Simon Armitage is a powerful poem exploring the physical and emotional aftermath of war on a soldier and his relationship. The poem delves into themes of PTSD, recovery, and the enduring impact of conflict on both... Show more
The Manhunt: A Deep Dive into War's Aftermath
Simon Armitage's The Manhunt is a poignant exploration of the physical and psychological scars left by war. The poem, written from the perspective of a soldier's wife, takes us on a journey through the aftermath of conflict and its impact on relationships.
Context: The poem was written as part of a documentary showcasing the effects of PTSD from war. It is based on Eddie Beddoes, a soldier who fought in the Bosnian war and was shot three times, resulting in multiple injuries.
The structure of the poem reflects the gradual process of discovery and healing. Armitage employs anaphora, repeating "only then" at the beginning of several stanzas, to emphasize the slow, cautious nature of the wife's exploration of her husband's wounds.
Highlight: The repetitive structure mirrors the time-consuming process of recovery and the wife's patient, methodical approach to understanding her husband's trauma.
Vivid imagery and extended metaphors are used throughout the poem to convey the extent of the soldier's injuries. For example, "the frozen river which ran through his face" suggests emotional numbness, while "the foetus of metal beneath his chest" graphically describes the bullet lodged in his body.
Quote: "Then I widened the search, / traced the scarring back to its source / to a sweating, unexploded mine / buried deep in his mind"
This powerful metaphor illustrates the psychological trauma (PTSD) that lingers long after the physical wounds have healed. The "unexploded mine" in his mind symbolizes the volatile nature of his mental state and the constant threat of emotional eruption.
Vocabulary: PTSD - A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event, often resulting in flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.
The poem's journey from external, physical wounds to internal, psychological scars emphasizes the comprehensive impact of war on an individual. The wife's careful exploration, moving from "the fractured rudder of shoulder-blade" to the "hurt of his grazed heart," symbolizes her attempt to understand and support her husband through his recovery.
Example: The line "the parachute silk of his punctured lung" uses a simile to compare the delicate, fragile nature of the damaged lung to parachute silk, emphasizing the vulnerability of the soldier's body.
When was The Manhunt written? While the exact date isn't provided, we know it was composed as part of a documentary about the effects of PTSD from war, specifically based on experiences from the Bosnian conflict (1992-1995).
What war is The Manhunt poem based on? The poem is based on the experiences of a soldier who fought in the Bosnian War, which took place in the 1990s.
The final lines, "Then, and only then, did I come close," suggest a breakthrough in understanding and intimacy, offering a glimmer of hope for the couple's future. However, the overall tone of the poem underscores the long-lasting and profound effects of war on both the individual soldier and their relationships.
Highlight: The poem serves as a powerful reminder of the often-overlooked personal costs of war, extending far beyond the battlefield and affecting families and communities for years to come.
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?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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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.
Students love us — and so will you.
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 THE SCHOOLGPT. 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 THE SCHOOLGPT. 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