Remains (Simon Armitage)

Remains by Simon Armitage is a powerful and poignant poem that delves into the psychological aftermath of war. Through vivid imagery and emotive language, Armitage explores the complex moral dilemmas faced by soldiers in combat and the lasting trauma that follows their experiences. You can read the poem below and will find detailed analysis further down the page.

Remains by Simon Armitage

On another occasion, we get sent out 
to tackle looters raiding a bank. 
And one of them legs it up the road, 
probably armed, possibly not. 

Well myself and somebody else and somebody else 
are all of the same mind, 
so all three of us open fire. 
Three of a kind all letting fly, and I swear 

I see every round as it rips through his life – 
I see broad daylight on the other side. 
So we’ve hit this looter a dozen times 
and he’s there on the ground, sort of inside out, 

pain itself, the image of agony. 
One of my mates goes by 
and tosses his guts back into his body. 
Then he’s carted off in the back of a lorry. 

End of story, except not really. 
His blood-shadow stays on the street, and out on patrol 
I walk right over it week after week.
Then I’m home on leave. But I blink 

and he bursts again through the doors of the bank. 
Sleep, and he’s probably armed, possibly not. 
Dream, and he’s torn apart by a dozen rounds. 
And the drink and the drugs won’t flush him out – 

he’s here in my head when I close my eyes, 
dug in behind enemy lines, 
not left for dead in some distant, sun-stunned, sand-smothered land 
or six-feet-under in desert sand,

 but near to the knuckle, here and now, 
his bloody life in my bloody hands.

Analysis

Context

"Remains" is part of the GCSE English Literature Poetry Anthology "Power and Conflict," which comprises poems focusing on various aspects of power, including its manifestations in warfare. Simon Armitage, the poet, is known for his gritty realism and his ability to capture the essence of contemporary life. Drawing on his own experiences and extensive research, Armitage crafts a poem that exposes the human cost of conflict.

Themes

War and its aftermath: The central theme of the poem is the aftermath of war and its profound impact on soldiers. Armitage highlights the physical and psychological trauma endured by those who participate in combat, exploring themes of guilt, remorse, and alienation.

Moral ambiguity: The poem grapples with the moral ambiguity of warfare. The soldiers' actions are driven by fear and instinct, leading to unintended consequences and moral dilemmas. Armitage questions the ethics of killing and the blurred boundaries between right and wrong in the context of war.

Memory and trauma: "Remains" examines the enduring effects of traumatic experiences on the human psyche. The speaker is haunted by the memories of his actions, unable to escape the horrors of war even in civilian life. The poem underscores the lasting impact of violence and the difficulty of overcoming trauma.

Structure and Form

"Remains" is structured as a dramatic monologue, with the soldier recounting his experiences directly to the reader. The poem is divided into stanzas of varying lengths, reflecting the disjointed nature of the soldier's memories. The enjambment between lines creates a sense of unease and tension, mirroring the psychological turmoil of the speaker.

Imagery and Language

Armitage employs vivid imagery to evoke the visceral reality of war. Descriptions of "the drunk and drugs" and "blood-shadow" create a sense of chaos and brutality, while the repetition of "probably armed, possibly not" highlights the uncertainty and moral ambiguity of the situation. The use of colloquial language and slang adds authenticity to the soldier's voice, immersing the reader in his experience.

Characterisation

The speaker emerges as a complex and conflicted figure, grappling with the consequences of his actions. His guilt is palpable, despite his attempts to rationalise his behaviour, he is ultimately consumed by remorse, unable to escape the memory of what he has done.

Themes of Power and Conflict

"Remains" explores the dynamics of power and conflict within the context of warfare. The soldier's actions are driven by a sense of powerlessness and desperation, as he seeks to assert control in a chaotic and hostile environment. However, his exertions of power result in unintended consequences, leaving him disillusioned and haunted by the consequences of his actions.

Social Commentary

Through the lens of the soldier's experience, Armitage offers a broader commentary on the dehumanising effects of war. The poem exposes the brutal realities of combat and challenges the glorification of violence in mainstream culture. By humanising the soldier and exploring his internal struggles, Armitage invites readers to confront the ethical implications of warfare and the enduring legacy of trauma.

Conclusion

"Remains" by Simon Armitage is a compelling exploration of the psychological toll of war. Through its vivid imagery, emotive language, and nuanced characterisation, the poem offers a poignant commentary on the moral complexities of conflict and the enduring scars it leaves on those who endure it. As part of the GCSE English Literature Poetry Anthology "Power and Conflict," "Remains" serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of violence and the importance of empathy and understanding in the face of adversity.

You can find analysis of all the AQA Power and Conflict Poetry Anthology Poems here.