Kamikaze Flashcards
(7 cards)
Why is the poem written in the third person?
It shows the emotional distance between the pilot and his family, especially the daughter.
What does the use of past tense throughout the poem indicate?
It shows that the pilot’s fate and rejection are already sealed—it’s a story being told in retrospect.
Why is natural imagery (sea, fish, sunlight) so prominent?
It represents beauty, life, and innocence, reminding the pilot of what he could lose.
Why is the pilot’s voice never heard?
His silence reflects the shame and isolation he experiences after choosing not to die.
What are the main ideas in this poem?
Conflict between duty and self, shame vs honour, power of nature and memory, and consequences of disobedience.
“he must have wondered which had been the better way to die” – What’s the meaning?
It questions whether social rejection is worse than literal death, showing tragedy and emotional weight.
“a tuna, the dark prince, muscular, dangerous” – What does this metaphor suggest?
The tuna symbolizes power and nature’s dominance—it evokes awe and even fear, influencing the pilot’s decision.
