Rainbow Death
Task 1:
This poem is written from the point of view of an American soldier during the Vietnam War, fought between the communist North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of South Vietnam, supported by the United States and other anti-communist nations. This poem talks about a modern day ingredient of warfare that has caused appalling death and suffering not only to its intended victims, the Vietnamese people, but also the service personnel that used or even just came into contact with “Agent Orange”.
Agent Orange is the code name for a herbicide and defoliant used by the U.S. military in its Herbicidal Warfare program during the Vietnam War.Approximately 4.8 million Vietnamese people were exposed to Agent Orange, resulting in 400,000 deaths and disabilities, and 500,000 children born with birth defects. From 1962 to 1971, Agent Orange was by far the most widely used of the so-called “Rainbow Herbicides” employed in the herbicidal warfare program. Thus, the title of this poem is “Rainbow Death”. During the production of Agent Orange, dioxins were produced as a contaminant, which have caused numerous health problems for the millions of people who have been exposed.
This poem reminds us that wars can have a lasting impact on its victims. A war might be over, but memories of the war, such as witnessing the death of a fellow soldier, are stuck in the heads of the soldiers who survive. A war can ruin one’s life, as well as one’s loved ones. A soldier could be critically injured or emotionally scarred by war. Either way, war has a negative effect on the ones involved. With that said, not all soldiers have this experience. Some come out stronger from war,more confident than ever, and proud of what they have achieved for their country.
Task 1:
This poem is written from the point of view of an American soldier during the Vietnam War, fought between the communist North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of South Vietnam, supported by the United States and other anti-communist nations. This poem talks about a modern day ingredient of warfare that has caused appalling death and suffering not only to its intended victims, the Vietnamese people, but also the service personnel that used or even just came into contact with “Agent Orange”.
Agent Orange is the code name for a herbicide and defoliant used by the U.S. military in its Herbicidal Warfare program during the Vietnam War.Approximately 4.8 million Vietnamese people were exposed to Agent Orange, resulting in 400,000 deaths and disabilities, and 500,000 children born with birth defects. From 1962 to 1971, Agent Orange was by far the most widely used of the so-called “Rainbow Herbicides” employed in the herbicidal warfare program. Thus, the title of this poem is “Rainbow Death”. During the production of Agent Orange, dioxins were produced as a contaminant, which have caused numerous health problems for the millions of people who have been exposed.
This poem reminds us that wars can have a lasting impact on its victims. A war might be over, but memories of the war, such as witnessing the death of a fellow soldier, are stuck in the heads of the soldiers who survive. A war can ruin one’s life, as well as one’s loved ones. A soldier could be critically injured or emotionally scarred by war. Either way, war has a negative effect on the ones involved. With that said, not all soldiers have this experience. Some come out stronger from war,more confident than ever, and proud of what they have achieved for their country.
Reference: www.warpoetry.co.uk/2010warpoetry.html
Task 2:
Point of View
This poem is from the point of view of a Vietnam War veteran from America. During the war, Hubert Wilson himself experienced health problems due to herbicidal warfare, such as unexplained headaches and limb pains. Furthermore, his central nervous system radically deteriorated with Parkinsonian type tremors, severe headaches and progressive limb pains. It is evident in the poem that Hubert Wilson disapproves strongly of the use of herbicidal warfare in Vietnam, from “America did not foresee / Green, pink, purple and other colors death potpourri!” and “Nefariously America led astray”. Most probably, the poet had witnessed how enemies or even innocent civilians have suffered from the use of herbicidal warfare. He himself suffered from the contaminants, highlighting his disapproval of herbicidal warfare.
Situation and Setting
This war poem is mainly talking about the Vietnam War, which is a war between the communists and anti-communist. The poem describes how herbicidal warfare is a cruel tactic in war and the agony that it has caused. Apparently, the poet feels angry about America’s use of herbicidal warfare as he portrays America as the party at fault in the poem. Why was herbicidal warfare even used in the Vietnam War? Early in the American military effort it was decided that since the enemy were hiding their activities under triple-canopy jungle, a useful first step might be to defoliate certain areas. As you know, guerilla warfare was a common tactic employed by both sides. The extent of the damage on the environment was very serious. In 1961 and 1962, the Kennedy administration authorized the use of chemicals to destroy rice crops. Between 1961 and 1967, the U.S. Air Force sprayed 20 million U.S. gallons of concentrated herbicides over 6 million acres of crops and trees, affecting an estimated 13% of South Vietnam’s land. In 1965, 42% of all herbicide was sprayed over food crops. The poet is appalled that even the main livelihood of the innocent civilians was not spared.
Reference: Blog by “Silentman”
Language and Diction
Hubert Wilson has used very strong language and some very deep terms that i myself do not comprehend. He has possibly done so to highlight and emphasize his disapproval of the use of herbicidal warfare, as he feels that it is a cruel tactic. From his choice of language, you can fairly easily tell that he is unhappy. Some words are in caps lock as well. His choice of language leaves a very deep and lasting impression on readers and sets readers thinking. Yet, his message is clear and precise.
Personal Response
For a 2 star difficulty poem, I have to say it’s pretty tough. A lot of research was required in order for me to have an understanding of what the poet is referring to. This is quite a strong poem and it has a lasting impression. I find it just amazing how he rhymed “foresee” with “potpourri”! All in all, it’s a tough poem to decipher but at the end of it, I’ve learnt a lot more than I expected from these simple 11 lines.
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