The Prelude VS Kamikaze Power and Conflict Anthology

Structural Analysis ‘Kamikaze’ is written in free verse which contrasts the strict control of the government. The structure of the poem is tight, with each stanza being 7 lines along, once again this could be reflective of the military/government. There is a lot of enjambment used in the final stanza which could symbolise a loss of control; it is the freedom of control that the soldier wishes to have. The solider is conflicted by their innermost thoughts with their requirement to uphold their cultural expectations. ‘Extract from the Prelude’ is an example of an epic poem. Epic poems usually tend on be a serious matter such as a heroic deed or a significant event. The ordinary verses in the poem are presented in an epic quality showing that the event truly had an impact on his life, making significant occurrences. The extract is written in blank verse, like a one sided conversation. Blank verses are usually written in iambic pentameter. This means that the line generally consists of 10 syllables. The intention of iambic pentameter reflects the natural speech patterns of the narrator.

Language The poet consistently refers to nature as ‘her’ which emphasise the provocative beauty and power of nature, it reels with him in and tempts him. Throughout the course of the poem, Wordsworth creates an idyllic and calm scene of nature, which subsequently enhances its beauty, ‘small circles glittering idly’ The verb, ‘glittering’ links back to his romanticised portrayal of the lake, he is in absolute awe of his beauty. It suggests that it is fresh and clean. ‘Kamikaze’ opens with ‘her father embarked on sunrise’. ‘Sunrise’ is a noun which possesses connotations of hope and new beginnings. It could also be seen as a direct reference to Japanese, ‘rising sun’ military flag, reminding the pilot of the sacrifice that he is making; his ‘journey into history,’. In ‘Kamikaze’, he has to deal with the backlash from his peers and family, In ‘Extract from the Prelude’, the narrator has to deal to the morality of his deeds, as it haunted him, ‘for many days’. Increasingly throughout the poem, Garland heavily uses language analysis to depict the splendour of nature, ‘green-blue translucent sea’. Once again, it exemplifies the clearness of the seas. In Garland’s own words, ‘the beauty of nature shows why he should not want to deprive himself and hundreds of other young men of that intense pleasure.’ This can be seen similarly in ‘Extract from the Prelude’. A simile is used, when it is said that the narrator is ‘heaving through the water like a swan’. Swans are majestic and stunning creatures, they could possibly imply his movements as he rows the boat. Swans can also be dangerous. ‘a tuna, the dark prince muscular dangerous’- threatening, intense powerful imagery. A metaphor is used, ‘flashing silver’ reminds him of his previous job. The adjective, ‘silver’ could link to the idea that a good catch in the water meant financial stability and prosperity. It acknowledges the power of nature which causes him to turn back. The ‘turbulent inrush of breakers’ reveals the heighten sense of danger in which nature has.

Themes & Context William Wordsworth was a romantic poet, in the sense that he wrote poems about the world that we live in. The poem is an epic poem, which suggests that this encounter with nature left a standing impression on Wordsworth as a person. The title of the poem, ‘Kamikaze’ which refers to the suicide mission which WW2 Japanese fighting pilots made. It was thought to be a heroic act within the community. In the poem, the conflict is personal and national. It examines closely the internalised conflict of morality and upholding the cultural expectations of your society to the man’s inner conscience and desire to come.