kamikaze Flashcards
(16 cards)
“Her father embarked at sunrise”
Imagery, japan was also known as the land of the rising sun. Sun links to the characters duties and culture
“A shaven head full of powerful incantations”
The image shows us how he has been dehumanized by his country, turned inro a machine of war. This metaphor implies that he has had a spell put on him,” Dying for your country is good!” there is ambuiguity here. Propaganda, prayers for his own thoughts
“Built cairns of pearl-grey pebbles”
Futility people, like sand, will eventually succumb to fate/nature but he seeks to hang on for as long as he can but he thinks, What is the point?
Symbolic of death and remembrance
“yes, grandfather’s boat - safe to the shore, salt-sodden, awash”
Aside changes the font to suggest the daughter, speaking to the children, emphasise personal account of history, at odds with our views of these nameless pilots.
Sibilance shows the ocean wave sounds. symbolic of the tide, which like him returns
“And sometimes, she said, he must have wonder which had been the better way to die”
The reported speech creates a further layer of distance. A choice of being alienated and shunned or a literal death.
Highlights conflict, emphasises that he died in the eyes of his family that day. There is a tone of regret sympathy at his situation but he has no way out
What did her father embark with at sunrise?
A flask of water, a samurai sword, a shaven head full of powerful incantations, and enough fuel for a one-way journey into history
This symbolizes preparation for a significant journey or transformation.
How did she describe the fishing boats?
Strung out like bunting on a green-blue translucent sea
This imagery evokes a festive and serene atmosphere.
What did the dark shoals of fishes resemble?
A huge flag waved first one way then the other in a figure of eight
This simile emphasizes the movement and liveliness of the fish in the sea.
What activity did he and his brothers engage in while waiting on the shore?
Built cairns of pearl-grey pebbles
This activity represents childhood innocence and the passage of time.
What did they build the cairns to see?
Whose withstood longest the turbulent inrush of breakers
This reflects a sense of competition and the unpredictability of nature.
What was the condition of grandfather’s boat when it returned?
Salt-sodden, awash with cloud-marked mackerel, black crabs, feathery prawns, and whitebait
The description illustrates the bounty of the sea and the experience of fishing.
What was the significant catch mentioned in the return of the boat?
A tuna, the dark prince, muscular, dangerous
The tuna symbolizes strength and the dangers associated with fishing.
How did her mother react to her father’s return?
Never spoke again in his presence, nor did she meet his eyes
This indicates deep emotional trauma or estrangement.
How did the neighbors treat her father after his return?
As though he no longer existed
This reflects societal rejection and the impact of trauma on family dynamics.
What did the children eventually learn to do regarding their father?
To be silent, to live as though he had never returned
This signifies the loss of connection and the effects of trauma on family relationships.
What existential question did she suggest her father might have wondered?
Which had been the better way to die
This question highlights the complexity of survival and the psychological impact of war or trauma.
