Notes on the poem 'Chainsaw vs the Pampas Grass' for English literature A level, paper 3 (poetry) for Edexcel. This document looks at key themes, language, ideas, form and structure as well as the effect on the reader, whilst incorporating quotes and analysis.
Key themes: What does Masculinity The chainsaw is seen to be a
this poem explore? Femininity symbol of stereotypical masculinity,
Violence it ‘seethed’, ‘knocked back a quarter
pint’ and went into an ‘instant rage’.
The pampas grass is seen to be a
symbol of stereotypical femininity,
‘with its ludicrous feathers and
plumes’, ‘stealing the show’ and
‘sunning itself’.
The chainsaw is not only angry, it is
physically violent, ‘lashing out at air’,
with a ‘bloody desire’ and ‘carved’ at
a trunk.
Language: Any patterns Extended metaphor The chainsaw is used as an
of language? Poetic Personification extended metaphor for a man and
techniques? Eg: similes, Hard and plosive the pampas grass for a woman. The
metaphors, verbs, etc. consonants ‘bloody desire’ to ‘rear up’ and harm
Semantic field the pampas grass metaphorically
symbolises an abusive relationship
and toxic masculinity.
The chainsaw has its own feelings
and actions, with its ‘perfect
disregard’, its ‘bloody desire’ and ‘its
grand plan to kick back’, whereas
the pampas grass is also
personified, ‘sunning itself’ and
‘stealing the show’.
The hard and plosive consonants
create a feeling of anger and
aggression, ‘back to the socket and
flipped the switch’ and ‘blur of the
blade’.
There is a semantic field of violent
verbs, such as ‘cleared’, ‘raked’,
‘severed’, ‘felled’, ‘cut’, ‘dug’,
‘choked’ and ‘split’ which highlight
the violence of the chainsaw.
Ideas: What is the poem The poem explores ideas of The chainsaw is seen to be a
about? What are the main toxic masculinity and violent symbol of stereotypical masculinity,
ideas here? What does rage. The ultimate message it ‘seethed’, ‘knocked back a quarter
the poet want you to feel? is that violence and rage will pint’ and went into an ‘instant rage’.
not be able to prevail However, it is unable to get rid of
Is there a message here?
against beauty. the pampas grass and ‘the
seamless urge to persist was as far
as it got’.
Form and structure: There are eight irregular The randomness and lack of control
What type of poem is it? length stanzas with lines of throughout the stanzas symbolise
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