Re-read Belfast Confetti - Edexcel - GCSE English Literature - Question 9 - 2017 - Paper 2

In Ciaran Carson's poem 'Belfast Confetti,' the structure plays a vital role in reflecting chaos and conflict. The poem is marked by irregular line lengths and enjambment, which mirrors the abruptness of violence. The title itself, 'Belfast Confetti,' serves as a metaphor for the tumult in Belfast, contrasting celebratory images with the grim reality of conflict, where the 'confetti' represents shrapnel from explosions.

Carson utilizes a range of punctuation to convey confusion and disorder; for instance, the frequent use of ellipses suggests hesitation and fragmentation of thought, symbolizing the speaker's struggle to comprehend their surroundings amidst chaos.

In comparison, Wilfred Owen’s 'Exposure' employs a more structured form with regular stanzas, reflecting the harsh discipline of military life against the backdrop of war. Owen's use of personal language and collective pronouns evokes a sense of shared suffering among soldiers, as he illustrates their despair and questions of existence in the trenches.

Both poems present personal experiences of conflict, yet their approaches differ significantly. Carson’s poem emphasizes the physical and immediate chaos of urban conflict, influenced by the Northern Irish Troubles, while Owen's piece reflects emotional and existential conflict experienced during World War I. This contrast highlights how context—whether political unrest in Northern Ireland or the broader implications of war—shapes the poets' expression of conflict.