Identify and Explain the Key Themes in the Poem 'Remains'

For this activity, you will need to turn to the poem 'Remains' by Simon Armitage, which can be found in your anthology.

'Remains' is a poem about a soldier who has returned home from war. He describes an occasion where he and his comrades were sent out on a mission. During the mission, they shoot and kill a looter who was involved in raiding a bank. 

The first part of the poem retells, in vivid and violent imagery, the account of what happened. The second part of the poem describes the effects of this event on the soldier, including the guilt and misery that he now experiences as part of his daily life.

The key themes of the poem include violence, guilt, conflict and the effects of war.

In the following questions, you will be asked about the meaning of these key themes.