Form
- French Rondeau (15 lines written split into 3 stanzas) over 2 rhymes
- lyric poem - reveals emotions
-Iambic terameter
Language:
- Bird imagary "the larks, still bravely singing, fly" suggests freedom in death
- Frequent alliteration which creates a soft comforting tone- "crosses, row on row" -"saw sunset" - "Loved and were loved, and now we lie"
- Symbolism - the "torch" is a metaphor for their duty
- Idea that the "glow" of human warmth has since been extinguished
- Sense of belonging in "our place" as if they were meant to die
Structure:
- Comma between "loved and were loved, and now we lie" to separate life from death
- Initial tone of tranquillity and peace develops into that of determination
Tone:- Initial peaceful tone creates a mood of tranquility
- This develops into that of pathos at the loss of life
- The final stanza climaxes in a determined frenzy, encouraging a sense of duty
- A sense of guilt is evoked by "we shall not sleep" which wills on the reader to carry on
Reader response:
- The poem would have given comfort to those grieving by suggesting that the dead are at peace and suggesting that they did not die in vain.
- The rousing element of this poem would have encouraged young men to carry on and take the place of their fallen comrades
- Pacifists may disagree with the pro war ending , suggesting we should continue the slaughter
Links :
- Contrast peace in death with Dulche et Decorum Est and the sense of purpose with Anthem for Doomed Youth
- Reflection on death - In Memoriam - Soliloquy
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