The Diameter of the Bomb

The circle is a symbol of unity and connection. The diameter also suggests a circular shape, but while a diameter is a measurement that can be quantified, the circle operates on the symbolic register as both a geometric and mathematical construct and a symbol of war’s perpetual effects on humanity. Amichai is exploring how humans are influenced by events that are seemingly completely disconnected from their lives, as they all exist within the same circle of humanity. This subverts the false ideologies that promote war and division between people and nations, as Amichai is showing through the symbolism of the circle that war harms everyone and its effects reach all corners of the Earth. The connection is created by inclusion in the circle of “pain” (Line 6), but this circle also captures the way that war creates disconnection through the loss of human life. Amichai shows this as the circle becomes “greater” (Line 5), then “enlarges” (Line 11), and finally becomes a circle “without end” (Line 18) in the final line. The symbolic meaning of the circle is that involvement cannot be escaped by any human – we are all affected, we are all harmed by cruel acts of war and the needless killings that are a result of bombings.