Remains Flashcards
(5 cards)
“On another occasion, we get sent out / to tackle looters raiding a bank.”
Heaney begins the poem in media res, thrusting the reader directly into the narrator’s desensitized state. The casual tone of this quote juxtaposes the brutality of the earlier moment, emphasizing how violence has become normalized in the context of war. The phrase “another occasion” suggests that violent acts have become routine, blurring the lines between what is acceptable and what is horrific. This trivialization of violence shows the narrator’s growing numbness to brutality. By following this line with the memory of the murder, Heaney highlights the contrast between the mundane task of “tackling looters” and the previous psychological trauma, underscoring the dehumanizing effect of war. The nonchalance with which the narrator recalls this task reflects how war conditions soldiers to see violence as just another duty, stripping away its moral gravity.
Writer’s Intention: Heaney uses this casual tone and the phrase “another occasion” to show how violence has become a routine part of life, demonstrating how war desensitizes soldiers to brutality and moral consequences.
Effect on the Reader: The contrast between this mundane task and the earlier memory of murder forces the reader to confront the dehumanizing effects of war. The reader feels the emotional numbness of the narrator, highlighting how prolonged exposure to violence can erode a soldier’s moral compass.
His bloody life in my bloody hands.”
The repetition of “bloody” in this line is a powerful manifestation of the narrator’s overwhelming sense of guilt. The possessive “my” intensifies the emotional weight, showing that he fully acknowledges his responsibility in the violence that has occurred. The juxtaposition of “life” and “bloody” links violence not only to the act of killing but also to the ongoing consequences it has on the narrator’s soul. The graphic imagery makes the guilt visceral, as the blood on his hands symbolizes both the literal act of murder and the moral stain that will forever taint his conscience. The phrase suggests that, no matter how much time passes, the narrator cannot rid himself of the trauma and burden of his actions. The cyclical nature of this guilt is hinted at, implying that this internal struggle will never truly end, reflecting how war’s psychological toll lingers long after the violence itself has subsided.
Writer’s Intention: Heaney uses the repetition of “bloody” to highlight the narrator’s deep guilt and the psychological burden of violence. The possessive “my” shows the narrator’s full responsibility for the act.
Effect on the Reader: The graphic imagery evokes a strong emotional response, making the reader feel the narrator’s remorse and the lasting impact of war. It forces the reader to reflect on the psychological toll of violence.
I see every round as it rips through his life – / I see broad daylight on the other side.”
The imagery in this quote is stark and brutal, with “rips” conveying the violent and irreversible destruction caused by the gunfire. The use of “life” here, followed by the graphic description of the bullet’s passage through the body, emphasizes the fragility and finality of human existence. “Broad daylight” suggests that the narrator is haunted by the clarity of his actions, as though the violence is illuminated and inescapable, further underlining the haunting nature of the event. The vivid visual details suggest that the narrator is trapped in his memories, unable to move past the brutal image of the killing. The enjambment between the two lines underscores the relentlessness of the narrator’s internal vision, reinforcing the idea that his trauma is inescapable and constantly replaying in his mind. This line is a depiction of the psychological effects of war, where the act of killing is not only physically violent but psychologically indelible.
message
The poem highlights the lasting psychological effects of war. It reveals how soldiers are haunted by their actions, experiencing guilt and trauma long after the violence has ended. Armitage critiques the dehumanizing nature of war, showing that its impact goes beyond physical injury, affecting soldiers’ mental well-being.
context
Author:
Remains is written by Simon Armitage, a contemporary British poet who explores themes of war, trauma, and human emotion. Armitage’s work often focuses on the psychological effects of violence and conflict.
War and Trauma:
The poem was written after the Iraq War (2003-2011), which had a significant impact on soldiers, many of whom suffered from PTSD. Armitage portrays the emotional and mental aftermath of war, particularly the guilt and psychological scars soldiers carry after combat.
Modern War Poetry:
Remains is part of modern war poetry, which critiques the glorification of war. It focuses on the emotional trauma and moral dilemmas soldiers face, rather than celebrating heroism or victory. The poem highlights the dehumanizing effects of war and the lasting impact it has on soldiers.
Post-Traumatic Stress:
The speaker in Remains grapples with the memories of killing during combat. The poem explores how war leaves lasting scars, showing that the emotional pain and guilt of violence remain long after the physical battle ends.
