Violence
The background of the poem are violent riots that took place in Ireland because of the conflicts between those who wanted independence and those who wanted Ireland to remain a part of the UK in the 1960s. The violence is expressed through the metaphoric melodic language, usage of the words relating to the weaponry and comparing it to sense of helplessness and confusion.
Language
Language used in the poem is quite brusque, abrupt, even explosive, and it mimics the setting of the poem, which is the middle of a violent riot. Not only is the melodiousness of the language important, but also its metaphoric nature in the poem is significant. The language used to describe the events, the weapons used is compared to the devices and symbols in written language, like the exclamation mark comparison to the ensuing violence after the riot squad moves in.
Identity
The poem ends with a commentary on the loss of identity in the midst of the chaos. The poet questions his identity, his path in life, and where he came from. This loss of oneself is connected to the violence, and it implies the lack of individuality and worth after being stuck in a hopeless situation with no exit. The ending with the question marks confirms that all there is left of oneself is a sense of confusion.
