Remains vs Kamikaze: AQA Power and Conflict Poetry Comparison (Grade 9 Guide)
Introduction
Remains by Simon Armitage and Kamikaze by Beatrice Garland both explore the lasting impact of conflict on individuals, particularly focusing on guilt, memory, and identity. Armitage presents a soldier traumatised by a violent act, while Garland explores a pilot who survives war but is socially rejected. Together, the poems show that the consequences of conflict extend far beyond the battlefield.
This Grade 9 comparison guide will help you compare both poems confidently in exams.
Quick Comparison Summary
| Theme | Remains | Kamikaze |
|---|---|---|
| Conflict | Modern warfare | WWII kamikaze mission |
| Trauma | Psychological guilt | Social rejection |
| Memory | Haunting flashbacks | Nostalgic turning point |
| Identity | Destroyed by guilt | Destroyed by society |
| Tone | Conversational, disturbing | Reflective, tragic |
Similarity 1: Both poems show the lasting effects of conflict
In Remains, the speaker is haunted by memory: “I see every round as it rips through his life”.
In Kamikaze, the pilot suffers long-term consequences, as he is treated as if he “no longer existed”.
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Both poets show that conflict continues to affect individuals long after the event.
Similarity 2: Both poems explore guilt and internal conflict
In Remains, the speaker feels guilt over killing someone who was “probably armed, possibly not”.
In Kamikaze, the pilot experiences internal conflict between duty and personal values.
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Both poems show how conflict creates moral uncertainty and inner struggle.
Similarity 3: Both poems challenge heroic views of war
Armitage presents war as brutal and meaningless through imagery like “sort of inside out”.
Garland challenges heroism by showing the consequences of not following expectations.
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Both poets reject the idea that war is noble or heroic.
Difference 1: Source of suffering
Remains
Guilt from committing violence.
Kamikaze
Shame and rejection from society.
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Armitage focuses on internal guilt, while Garland focuses on external judgement.
Difference 2: Perspective
Remains
First-person account of a soldier.
Kamikaze
Narrative voice (daughter reflecting on father).
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Armitage creates immediacy, while Garland creates distance and reflection.
Difference 3: Structure
Remains
- Conversational monologue
- Enjambment
- Shifts between past and present
Kamikaze
- Narrative structure
- Clear progression of events
- Reflective ending
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Armitage mirrors chaotic memory, while Garland shows consequences through storytelling.
Key Quotes Comparison Table
| Remains | Kamikaze |
|---|---|
| “probably armed, possibly not” | “a one-way journey into history” |
| “I see every round” | “green-blue translucent sea” |
| “blood-shadow stays” | “he no longer existed” |
| “his bloody life in my bloody hands” | “which had been the better way to die” |
Context Comparison
Remains
- Based on Iraq War experiences.
- Focus on PTSD and mental health.
Kamikaze
- Based on Japanese WWII pilots.
- Focus on honour culture and shame.
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Both poems reflect modern understanding of war’s psychological and social impact.
How to Write a Grade 9 Comparison Paragraph
Both Armitage and Garland show the lasting impact of conflict. In Remains, the speaker is haunted by guilt, shown through “I see every round”. Similarly, in Kamikaze, the pilot suffers long-term consequences after returning home. However, Armitage focuses on internal trauma, while Garland focuses on social rejection.
Exam Question 1
Compare how poets present the effects of conflict on individuals in Remains and Kamikaze.
Grade 9 Model Response
Both poets present conflict as having lasting effects on individuals. In Remains, the speaker experiences psychological trauma after killing someone. In Kamikaze, the pilot is rejected by society and loses his identity.
However, Armitage focuses on internal guilt, while Garland focuses on external consequences. Therefore, both poems show conflict affecting individuals deeply, but in different ways.
Exam Question 2
Compare how poets present guilt in Remains and Kamikaze.
Grade 9 Model Response
Guilt is presented differently in the two poems. In Remains, the speaker feels direct guilt for his actions. In Kamikaze, guilt is more implied, linked to cultural expectations.
Both poets show guilt affecting identity. However, Armitage presents it as personal, while Garland presents it as societal.
Exam Question 3
Compare how poets present identity in Remains and Kamikaze.
Grade 9 Model Response
Both poems explore identity under pressure. In Remains, the speaker’s identity is shaped by trauma. In Kamikaze, the pilot loses his identity through rejection.
Therefore, both poets show identity being damaged by conflict, but in different ways.
Further Revision Links
To strengthen your comparison skills, read the full anthology hub and detailed poem guides:
- AQA Power and Conflict Poetry Anthology (All 15 Poems): https://englishmadesimple.org/aqa-power-and-conflict-poetry-anthology-revision-guide/
- Remains by Simon Armitage – How to Get a Grade 9: https://englishmadesimple.org/remains-by-simon-armitage-how-to-get-a-grade-9-aqa-gcse-english-literature/
- Kamikaze by Beatrice Garland – How to Get a Grade 9: https://englishmadesimple.org/kamikaze-by-beatrice-garland-how-to-get-a-grade-9-aqa-gcse-english-literature/
You might also like…
- Remains vs War Photographer: https://englishmadesimple.org/remains-vs-war-photographer/
- Poppies vs Kamikaze: https://englishmadesimple.org/poppies-vs-kamikaze/
- Remains vs Poppies: https://englishmadesimple.org/remains-vs-poppies/
Explore these comparisons to deepen your understanding of conflict, identity, and memory.
Final Grade 9 Tip
When comparing these poems, remember: Armitage shows guilt destroying the individual, while Garland shows society destroying identity.
