Close analysis
‘Kamikaze’ by Beatrice Garland
This is a narrative poem including both 1st and 3rd
person speech. In the poem, a daughter retells how
her father (a Kamikaze pilot) decides not to fulfil his
suicide mission. She describes the point in the flight
where he makes this life changing decision and also
goes on to describe the effects that this decision has
not just for the pilot but for his family and the
community around him.
Through her narrative, the reader is given much
insight into the status of the pilots and also the
Japanese culture.
Context
1. Look up the word ‘Kamikaze’. Can you think of an equivalent phrase we would use today to
describe what they did?
2. Research Kamikaze pilots, their role and the expectations placed upon them.
3. Research when other cultures and countries have used similar techniques as part of warfare
or protest.
4. Consider and discuss the role of a Kamikaze pilot, putting forward your opinions as to
whether you agree or disagree with their role.
Language
Reread the poem and make notes on the type of
language that is used including:

nature and beauty

the wealth of natural resources

shame and rejection.
Techniques
1. Identify the different poetic techniques used in the poem.
2. How do these techniques help to convey the mood and emotions of the poem?
3. In your opinion, which technique is the most effective and why?
4. Concentrate on the imagery used in the poem. What imagery is used and why? What could it
relate to?
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Close analysis
‘Kamikaze’ by Beatrice Garland
Tone and mood
1. Create a mood board with the variety of emotions that you think the poem incorporates. You
can use images, poetry and excerpts from the poem.
2. Identify phrases or words which you think express
the following:

beauty

pride

regret

rejection

loyalty.
Structure
1. Which structural features have been used throughout the poem? Consider lines, stanzas,
enjambment, use of punctuation, regular/irregular structure, layout, rhythm and beat, use
of rhyming couplets.
2. How do these features help to convey the tone, mood and viewpoint of the poem?
3. What is the effect of the inclusion of the daughter’s speech?
4. The poem includes only three sentences and three full stops. What is the effect of this?
5. The final stanza is only three lines long. Why do you think this is?
Themes and poet’s viewpoint
In pairs or groups consider the following points and discuss your views on them.

The use of suicide missions – should they be used as part of warfare? What are the effects
of them on both the victims and the pilot’s families? Can they also be considered victims?

Rejection – does the poet feel guilty for both her family and the communities’ rejection
of her father?

Regret – what clues do we get that the pilot regretted his decision?

Social pressure – what does the poet show can be the effects of social pressure on both a
family and a community? Can you think of any other situations where social pressure can
be used and applied?
© www.teachit.co.uk 2017
27439
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