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Kamikaze
● Context: this poem is about the
experience of a Kamikaze pilot who,
instead of completing his suicide
mission, turns back the plane due to
his nostalgic memories and the
beauty of nature
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● “
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However, “powerful incantations” hints at the lifechanging propaganda that was ingrained in the pilot’s mind at the beginning of
the poem, which influenced many men to undergo these missions, as it was
seen as a great honour to die for their country
...

● “At the little fishing boats/strung out like bunting” - this simile is ironic, as
bunting is often a symbol of celebration
...
However, we know that there is no victorious return
or welcome for this pilot
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The
beauty of this image of tiny boats appears to also remind the pilot of his
childhood, as him and his brothers would bring “their father’s boat safe”
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The image of a
“prince” suggests that these fish were treated and seen as almost royalty,
whilst “dark” could suggest their sinister appearance and fleeting
movements
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The
word “muscular” also hints at the magnificence of these giant beasts
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The taboo
surrounding the pilot’s return forces his family to treat him as if he is dead
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Key themes, structure and form

● Patriotism is a clear theme in this poem and is shown through his family and
neighbours, who will not talk to the pilot when he returns unsuccessful
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● This poem is not in chronological order, which may give a sense of the
daughter’s account, which is all over the place and contains interjections of
direct speech, as if she is telling a story to her children
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