Remains
AQA
GCSE
This subtopic covers the in-depth study of Simon Armitage's poem 'Remains' from the AQA GCSE English Literature Power and Conflict anthology. It focuses on the exploration of guilt, trauma, and the psychological aftermath of war experienced by a soldier involved in a fatal shooting. The poem's language, structure, and form are analysed to understand how they convey the speaker's deteriorating mental state and critique the dehumanising effects of conflict.
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Objectives
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Exam Tips
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Pitfalls
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Key Terms
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Mark Points
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- Analyse the use of imagery and language in 'Remains' to convey the soldier's trauma.
- Evaluate the impact of structure and form in the poem, including the volta.
- Explore how Armitage presents the psychological effects of conflict on individuals.
- Compare the presentation of guilt in 'Remains' with another poem from the anthology.
- Assess the poet's use of narrative voice and its effect on the reader.
Marking Points
Key points examiners look for in your answers
- Analysis of specific quotations, such as 'his bloody life in my bloody hands', to demonstrate understanding of guilt.
- Exploration of the poem's irregular structure and its reflection of fragmented memory.
- Discussion of the shift in tone at the volta ('End of story, except not really') and its significance.
- Linking the poem's themes to wider contexts, such as the Iraq War or PTSD.
- Comparison with other anthology poems, showing insightful connections and contrasts.
Examiner Tips
Expert advice for maximising your marks
- 💡Begin responses with a clear thesis that directly addresses the question and outlines the poem's central concerns.
- 💡Integrate analysis of language, structure, and form throughout, rather than treating them as separate paragraphs.
- 💡Use comparative connectives and explore thematic links with other poems to meet the assessment objective for comparison.
- 💡Contextualise the poem by referencing the Iraq War or the poet's interest in soldiers' experiences, but avoid lengthy historical digressions.
- 💡Practice writing about the poem under timed conditions to ensure a balanced coverage of all assessment objectives.
Common Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers
- Confusing the speaker with the poet or assuming the poem is purely autobiographical.
- Overlooking the significance of the colloquial language and its conversational tone.
- Neglecting to analyse the volta and its role in marking the turn from event to aftermath.
- Providing vague or generic comments about war without embedding textual evidence.
- Misinterpreting 'bloody' as only a swear word rather than exploring its dual meaning.
Study Guide Available
Comprehensive revision notes & examples
Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- Guilt and trauma
- Dehumanisation of war
- Memory and flashbacks
- Power and conflict
- Moral injury
- Isolation
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