Introduction
Comparing two significant poems, Remains and War Photographer, both written about the theme of war, it is evident that the poems share striking similarities. The poems offer a heart-wrenching description of the atrocities of war, shedding light on the harsh realities of war and the impact it has on humanity.
Remains
Remains, written by Simon Armitage, is a poem that recounts the experience of a soldier who has returned from the war. The poem is set in Baghdad, where the speaker and his fellow soldiers are on patrol. The speaker narrates the experience of shooting a looter and the impact it had on him. The poem highlights the speaker's struggle with PTSD and the guilt he carries with him for his actions.
The poem uses graphic imagery to depict the brutality of war, and the speaker's inability to shake off the memories of the war. The poem is written in first-person narrative, giving the reader an intimate insight into the speaker's thoughts and emotions.
War Photographer
War Photographer, written by Carol Ann Duffy, is a poem that depicts the life of a war photographer. The poem is set in a darkroom where the photographer is developing the pictures he has taken on his travels. The poem highlights the photographer's struggle with the apathy of the people who view his pictures.
The poem is written in a detached third-person narrative, giving the reader an objective view of the photographer's life. The poem uses vivid imagery to depict the photographer's experiences of war and the horrors he has witnessed. The poem highlights the photographer's sense of duty to capture the atrocities of war, even though it takes a toll on him.
Comparison
Both poems share several similarities, despite being written by different authors. The poems highlight the psychological impact of war on individuals, shedding light on the long-lasting effects it has on people. Both poems use graphic imagery to depict the brutality of war, highlighting the harsh realities of war.
Furthermore, both poems highlight the sense of duty that individuals feel towards capturing the atrocities of war. In Remains, the speaker feels compelled to shoot the looter to protect his fellow soldiers, while in War Photographer, the photographer feels a sense of obligation to capture the horrors of war to show the world what is happening.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Remains and War Photographer are two powerful poems that offer a glimpse into the harsh realities of war. Both poems use vivid imagery to depict the psychological impact of war on individuals, highlighting the long-lasting effects it has on people. The poems shed light on the sense of duty that individuals feel towards capturing the atrocities of war, despite the toll it takes on them.
