Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Epitaph on an Army of Mercenaries" is a poem by Alfred Edward Housman, first published in his 1896 collection, "A Shropshire Lad." The poem reflects on the futility and tragedy of war, and the human cost of violence and conflict.

Explanation:

The poem describes an army of mercenaries who were hired to fight a battle, only to be killed in the process. The speaker reflects on the tragedy of their deaths, emphasizing the human cost of war and the senseless violence that it brings. The poem serves as a condemnation of war and its destructive power, and a call to recognize the humanity of those who are caught up in it.

The poem's use of repetition, combined with its stark and simple language, creates a powerful sense of the tragedy and futility of war. The poem's title, "Epitaph," suggests a memorial to those who died, highlighting the speaker's sense of mourning and loss.

Poetic Elements:

• Form:
• "Epitaph on an Army of Mercenaries" is written in a traditional rhyming form, with a strict ABAB rhyme scheme and a consistent meter. The use of formal structure creates a sense of order and control, reflecting the speaker's attempt to make sense of the tragedy and futility of war.
• Repetition:
• The poem makes use of repetition to create a powerful sense of the tragedy and futility of war. The repeated phrase "Their shoulders held the sky suspended" emphasizes the burden and sacrifice of the soldiers, while the repetition of "dead" and "die" underscores the senseless loss of life.
• Tone:
• The tone of the poem is mournful and reflective, with a sense of outrage and condemnation underlying it. The speaker recognizes the human cost of war and the senseless violence it brings, and calls on the reader to recognize the humanity of those who are caught up in it.

Conclusion:

Through "Epitaph on an Army of Mercenaries," Housman reflects on the tragedy and futility of war, and the human cost of violence and conflict. The poem serves as a call to recognize the humanity of those who are caught up in war, and a condemnation of the senseless violence that it brings. The poem's stark and simple language, combined with its powerful repetition, make it a poignant and timeless reminder of the cost of war and the need for peace.