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Poetry

Question

Analyse the title ‘Kamikaze’. What is its contextual meaning?

2 years ago

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Ayla Johns


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During the Second World War, the term 'kamikaze' was used for Japanese fighter pilots who were sent on suicide missions. They were expected to crash their warplanes into enemy warships. The word 'kamikaze' literally translates as 'divine wind'. These pilots where given no choice if the came back they would be executed.


The poem explores the moment that the pilot's decision is made and shows the consequences for him over the rest of his life. Not only is he shunned by his neighbours but his wife refuses to speak to him or look him in the eye. His children, too, gradually learn that he is not to be spoken to and begin to isolate and reject him.


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