Chainsaw Versus the Pampas Grass - Key Themes

Question 1

How is power explored?

Answer 1

There is extreme power exhibited by the chainsaw throughout the poem, with the potential of harm adding to the sense of power and brutality. However, the grass also shows power albeit more subtly in that it is able to survive. This battle an contrast between to types of power is a key consideration throughout the poem, an important for influencing the response of a reader.

Question 2

How is masculinity explored?

Answer 2

The masculine power is highlighted through phallic imagery in the poem. Even with males being stereotypically seen as the physically stronger sex , the lack of femininity could highlight the flaw in this masculine situation and inability for the chainsaw to succeed, making ‘Chainsaw versus the Pampas Grass’ a fair fight than it may be seemed initially.

Question 3

How is conflict explored?

Answer 3

This theme is shown through the battle and fights between the chainsaw and the pampas grass, acting as representation of the battle between humanity and man made materials with the natural world and nature.