Bayonet Charge Flashcards
(14 cards)
What dominates the soldier’s experience in ‘Bayonet Charge’?
Fear and panic
The intense emotions reflect the chaos of war.
What metaphor is used to compare fear in ‘Bayonet Charge’?
Fear is compared to an unstable bomb
The phrase “His terror’s touchy dynamite” illustrates the explosive nature of fear.
What technique is used to create a sense of urgency at the start of the poem?
In medias res
Starting in the middle of action creates immediacy and tension.
How does enjambment affect the poem’s rhythm?
It speeds up the rhythm, reflecting frantic movement
This technique mirrors the soldier’s panic.
What does the phrase ‘King, honour, human dignity, etcetera’ signify?
It shows irony and loss of belief in patriotic ideals
The dismissive ‘etcetera’ suggests a rejection of noble concepts.
What does the imagery of the yellow hare symbolize?
Innocence
The simile comparing its movement to fire suggests destruction.
What metaphor describes the soldier’s situation in the poem?
War as a mechanical system
Cosmic imagery emphasizes the soldier’s powerlessness.
How does the abrupt start of the poem affect the reader?
It plunges the reader into action
This technique enhances the chaotic atmosphere.
What structural techniques mimic the soldier’s fast thoughts?
Enjambment and irregular rhythm
These elements reflect the urgency of the soldier’s experience.
What influence did Ted Hughes’ father have on the poem?
His father fought in WWI
This personal connection informs the vivid portrayal of the soldier’s mental state.
What does the poem challenge about earlier views of war?
Romantic, heroic views of war
Hughes presents war as terrifying and chaotic.
What is the writer’s intention in ‘Bayonet Charge’?
To show war as terrifying, chaotic, and dehumanising
The poem reveals how fear overwhelms noble motives.
Fill in the blank: The poem’s structure and rhythm add to its _______.
impact
True or False: The poem presents a glorified view of patriotism.
False
Patriotism is depicted as meaningless and broken.
