Exploring Trauma in Simon Armitage's 'Remains'

The discussion focuses on 'Remains' by Simon Armitage, a war poem that presents a soldier's traumatic experience of shooting a bank looter. The poem is characterized as a dramatic monologue, where the speaker reflects on the psychological effects of war, including trauma, remorse, and regret.

The speaker recounts an incident where he and two other soldiers were sent to confront looters raiding a bank. The narrative reveals the ambiguity of the situation, as the looter was possibly unarmed. The speaker vividly describes the moment of shooting, emphasizing the haunting imagery of the looter's agony and the lasting impact of the violence on his psyche.

The poem explores the enduring psychological trauma experienced by the soldier, as he continues to relive the moment of violence. The imagery of the looter's blood and the phrase 'his bloody life in my bloody hands' encapsulate the guilt and horror that haunt the speaker, illustrating the inescapable nature of his memories.

The title 'Remains' serves as a pun, suggesting both the physical remains of the looter and the emotional scars that persist with the soldier. This duality reflects the lasting effects of war on individuals, both in terms of physical violence and psychological trauma.

Armitage employs the technique of in media res, starting the poem in the midst of action. This choice mirrors the confusion and chaos of war, highlighting the soldier's lack of emotional preparedness for his role. The phrase 'on another occasion' indicates that such violence is a recurring reality for soldiers, not an isolated incident.

The use of the verb 'tackle' in the context of confronting looters suggests the naivety of the soldiers, likening their actions to a sport. This choice of language underscores their youth and lack of understanding regarding the severity of their situation, as they are merely following orders without fully grasping the implications of their actions.

The discussion begins with a critical view of soldiers who have predetermined notions about the guilt of individuals, labeling them as looters. The speaker reflects on the moral complexities soldiers face, as they are often tasked with responsibilities that extend beyond combat, leading to tragic outcomes such as the unjustified killing of a possibly innocent person.

The speaker analyzes a quotation where three soldiers collectively decide to open fire, emphasizing the lack of individual accountability. The repetition of 'somebody else' highlights a shared guilt among the soldiers, while the phrase 'myself and someone else and someone else' indicates a reluctance to disclose identities, suggesting a bond of comradeship that complicates the moral implications of their actions.

The use of the term 'open fire' instead of 'shoot' introduces a religious connotation, associating fire with suffering and hell. This choice of words underscores the brutal nature of their actions, portraying the victim as vulnerable and the soldiers as wielding godlike power over life and death. The metaphor of bullets ripping through life likens human existence to fragile paper, emphasizing the desensitization to violence that war fosters.

The speaker reflects on the psychological turmoil experienced by the soldier, who relives the traumatic event in present tense. The imagery of seeing 'broad daylight on the other side' after inflicting violence suggests a struggle between hope and despair. This duality may indicate the soldier's attempt to rationalize his actions, either by seeking solace in the idea of the victim's potential peace or grappling with the horror of the act itself.

The speaker critiques the excessive violence inflicted upon the victim, who is shot a dozen times, questioning the necessity and morality of such brutality. The informal phrase 'sort of inside out' reveals an attempt to mask the emotional impact of the event, juxtaposed with the stark reality of the victim's suffering, which starkly contrasts with the soldier's facade of indifference.

The speaker transitions from colloquial to emotional language, reflecting the profound realization of his actions. The use of the word 'image' suggests an attempt to detach from the reality of the situation, likening the experience to viewing a photograph rather than confronting the death of a person.

The imagery becomes increasingly gruesome as the speaker describes a comrade tossing the guts back into a body, highlighting a lack of care and respect for the deceased. This action symbolizes the devaluation of human life in conflict, illustrating how violence leads to a loss of dignity and sanctity in death.

The soldier is haunted by the blood of the victim, which he metaphorically describes as a 'blood shadow' that stains both the street and his conscience. The use of the pronoun 'his' emphasizes the depersonalization of the victim, indicating the soldier's struggle with guilt and the moral implications of his actions.

While on leave, the soldier attempts to escape his guilt but finds it follows him relentlessly. The repetition of 'probably' and 'possibly' reflects his uncertainty and regret over the killing, suggesting that he feels the act was unjustified. His attempts to cope with alcohol and drugs fail to alleviate his mental anguish, indicating a deep-seated PTSD.

The reference to being 'dug in Behind Enemy Lines' situates the poem within the context of modern Middle Eastern wars, although the speaker does not explicitly name the location. The phrase 'but near to the knuckle here and now' emphasizes the immediacy of his guilt and the inescapable reality of his actions, contrasting the distant, foreign land with his current mental state.

The term 'bloody' in the poem serves a dual purpose, reflecting both the gruesome nature of death and the speaker's feelings of being cursed by life. This connects to Lady Macbeth's guilt, as she famously laments having blood on her hands before her demise, symbolizing the weight of her actions.

The poem is structured in quatrains, indicating the speaker's attempt to impose order on his chaotic emotional state. However, the abrupt short stanza at the end suggests a lack of recovery, while the enjambment creates a rhythm akin to a confession, enhancing the emotional impact of the speaker's turmoil.

For a high grade, it is essential to incorporate context into the analysis. This includes understanding the historical backdrop during which the poem was written and insights into the poet's life. Simon Armitage, a British poet, published 'Remains' in 2008 as part of 'The Not Dead,' a collection of war poems based on ex-soldiers' testimonies, focusing on the aftermath of war rather than the conflict itself.

'Remains' was inspired by the experiences of Guardsman Tromans, a British soldier who served in Iraq in 2003 and later suffered from PTSD. The poem reflects the growing opposition to the Iraq War, which was criticized as unnecessary and driven by American greed for oil. Armitage's work aims to raise awareness about the psychological effects of war on soldiers.