Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"When I'm Killed" is a poem by Robert Graves, a British poet and novelist who lived from 1895 to 1985. The poem was written in 1916 during World War I and explores the theme of mortality and the fear of death.

Context:

Graves was a British soldier who fought in World War I and was wounded in the Battle of the Somme. Many of his poems from this period reflect his experiences as a soldier and his feelings about the war.

Content:

"When I'm Killed" is a deeply personal and emotional poem that expresses Graves' fear of death and his desire to be remembered after he is gone. The poem begins with the speaker imagining his own death and asking his loved ones not to forget him. The poem goes on to describe the speaker's desire to be remembered for his courage and bravery in battle, even if he is not able to survive the war.

Form:

"When I'm Killed" is a free-verse poem that is written in a conversational tone. The poem is divided into two stanzas, with each stanza consisting of four lines. The poem's simple, direct language and lack of traditional poetic devices such as rhyme and meter give it a sense of authenticity and raw emotion.

Poetic Elements:

Graves' use of language in "When I'm Killed" is simple but powerful. The poem's direct, conversational tone helps to convey the speaker's emotions and sense of vulnerability. The poem's lack of traditional poetic devices also contributes to its emotional impact, as the reader is forced to confront the stark reality of the speaker's fear of death.

Summary:

"When I'm Killed" is a powerful and emotional poem that reflects Graves' personal experiences as a soldier in World War I. The poem's simple language and lack of traditional poetic devices give it a sense of authenticity and emotional honesty that is rare in much of modern poetry. Although the poem is focused on the personal experience of one soldier, its themes of mortality, memory, and the fear of death are universal and continue to resonate with readers today.

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