Remains by Simon Armitage Flashcards
How does “Remains” start?
In Medias Res.
“On Another Occasion.” What does this show?
This is very Matter of Fact Language or Tone, suggesting this is one of many Events - Anecdotal Language.
“Legs it up the Road.” What does this show?
Colloquialism. It is used to give a Realistic Tone to the Voice of the Speaker.
“Probably Armed, Possibly not.” What does this show?
This undermines the Severity of the Statement, if he was not Armed would he’ve been Shot? He has the Power to Decide.
“Three of a Kind.” What does this show?
The Soldiers are Described as Cards in Poker, a Game of Luck. Emphasising that Everyone about this is Chance - an Analogy.
“I see Broad Daylight.” What does this show?
This is a Graphic Hyperbole used to Demonstrate the Lack of Glory or Honour in this Killing. It is not Pretty but still very Matter of Fact.
“Hit this Looter a Dozen Times…Sort of Inside Out.” What does this show?
These Words make the Victim appear more of an Object that what was a Moment ago a Living, Breathing Person - Dehumanisation.
“One of my Mates goes by.” What does this show?
This makes this appear like a Night out with the Lads, like a Social Event. This is Colloquialism.
“And Tosses his Guts back into his Body.” What does this show?
The Nature of what is happening, a Violent Killing is Juxtaposed to the Relaxed way he Talks about the Events.
“His Blood-Shadow Stays on the Street.” What does this show?
This is a Metaphor for the Memory of the Man and Events. Blood Connotes Death, Shadow Connoting Lingering Memory.
“And…and…and…and…and…and.” What does this show?
Repetition from the Start to show that it is the thought Replaying in his Mind and he is Racked with Guilt. He now feels Powerless.
“Drugs won’t Flush him out.” What does this show?
Cliché “Flush” is a Common Term to get rid of Something Unwanted, this is no Longer a Matter of War but everyday Life.
“Dug in Behind Enemy Lines.” What does this show?
Analogy. It describes the Memory like a Hostile Soldier in his Mind, where he can’t get him.
“Sun-Stunned, Sand-Smothered…Six-Feet Under.” What does this show?
Sibilance, gives the Impression of a Sinister Dream/Nightmare like State.
“His Bloody Life in his Bloody Hands.” What does this show?
Pun, Bitter/Dark Humour. “Bloody” meaning Covered in Blood but also an Expression of Anger/Hate. The Soldier is at Conflict with this Dead Man, but more with his own Mind. Ends the Poem with a Sense of Despair and Open Ended, No Resolution.
