Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Blood Of The Young Men" by Richard Aldington is a deeply poignant and harrowing poem that powerfully addresses the tragic loss of life and the desensitizing effect of war. The poem is divided into multiple sections, each contributing to a cumulative narrative that portrays the physical, emotional, and psychological toll of war, particularly World War I, which profoundly influenced Aldington's work. His experience as a soldier and his role in the Imagist movement are reflected in the vivid imagery and emotional depth of the poem.

In the first section, the speaker pleads for a return to innocence and ignorance, yearning for the "close veil of the senses" to be restored. This request to "not see" and to be shielded from the horrific sight of "the red blood splashed upon the walls" underscores the unbearable pain and shock of witnessing such violence. The blood of the young and vibrant is trampled underfoot, unnoticed and disregarded by various members of society – "the old men, the cold cruel women, [and] the careless children." This image is a stark commentary on the senselessness of war and the indifference of those who are not directly affected by its brutality.

The second and third sections emphasize the omnipresence of death and destruction, with day bringing "an agony" of visible bloodstains and night offering a temporary respite. The blood is described as contaminating everything – clothes, traffic, faces, houses, and streets – creating a landscape that is "Ghastly! Horribly smeared with blood-stains." This vivid depiction reflects the inescapable nature of war's impact on both the physical environment and the human psyche.

In the fourth section, Aldington presents grotesque and jarring images – a woman's hand dripping with "black putrid blood" and an old man's clean appearance marred by blood. These images symbolize the corruption and defilement of innocence and purity by the pervasive violence of war.

The fifth section introduces a metaphor of blood as a commodity, used to "purple the garments of Dives" and "colour the lips of Magdalen," alluding to the Biblical figures of Dives, the rich man, and Mary Magdalene. This metaphor critiques the exploitation of the young soldiers ("blood of the young men") by the wealthy and powerful, as well as the moral indifference of society towards this exploitation.

Sections six and seven address the older generation and women, respectively, accusing them of thriving on the sacrifices of the young men. The old men are depicted as gaining strength from the young men's blood, while the women are criticized for their perceived indifference and for seeking comfort and pleasure with those who have not experienced the horrors of war.

The final section is a lamentation, expressing a profound sense of loss and desolation. The speaker and those like him are left to grieve and mourn their fallen brothers, feeling isolated and overwhelmed by the bloodshed. The plea for blindness reflects a desire to escape the relentless reminders of the carnage and the pain of survival.

Overall, "Blood Of The Young Men" is a powerful indictment of war and its devastating effects on the youth, society, and moral values. Aldington's use of vivid imagery, emotional intensity, and stark contrasts effectively conveys the sense of loss, disillusionment, and the deep scars left by warfare. The poem is a poignant reflection on the tragedy of war and a critique of the societal and ethical implications of such widespread destruction and desensitization.

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