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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
Muriel Rukeyser's "What Have You Brought Home from the Wars" is a poignant and reflective poem that delves into the aftermath of war and the lingering effects on those who return from it. Through its spare and direct language, the poem explores themes of trauma, the futility of violence, and the yearning for peace. The poem opens with a stark question from the speaker to the father: "What have you brought / home from the wars, father?" This inquiry sets the tone for the poem, immediately focusing on the personal and emotional consequences of war. The father's response, "Scars," encapsulates the physical and psychological wounds that soldiers carry with them long after the battles have ended. This single word conveys a world of pain and suffering, hinting at experiences that cannot be easily articulated. Rukeyser then broadens the scope of the poem to reflect on the collective experience of war: "We fought far overseas; we knew / the victory must / be at home." This line suggests a recognition that true victory is not merely about winning battles abroad but achieving lasting peace and resolution at home. However, the speaker observes a disconnect between this ideal and reality: "But here I see / only a trial by time / of those / who know." This observation points to the ongoing struggle and disillusionment faced by veterans and those who understand the true cost of war. The poem takes a critical turn as it addresses the rhetoric of public figures: "The public men all shout: Come bomb, / come burn / our hate." Rukeyser highlights the destructive language and attitudes that perpetuate cycles of violence and hatred. The repetition of "come" emphasizes the eagerness with which these leaders call for continued conflict. In contrast, the speaker expresses a desire for a different approach: "I do not / want it shot; / I want it solved." This line encapsulates the poem's central plea for resolution and peace rather than further violence. Rukeyser then invokes the voices of those who have died in war: "This is the word / the dead men said. / They said peace." By attributing the call for peace to the deceased, the poem underscores the ultimate futility of war and the universal human desire for harmony. The speaker's vision is haunted by the memory of the fallen: "I saw in the hot light / of our century / each face killed." This vivid imagery conveys the lasting impact of war on the collective conscience and the burden of remembering each life lost. "What Have You Brought Home from the Wars" is a powerful meditation on the aftermath of conflict and the longing for peace. Through its straightforward yet profound language, the poem challenges readers to consider the true cost of war and the importance of striving for a world where disputes are resolved without violence. Rukeyser's emphasis on scars, both physical and emotional, serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of conflict and the need to heed the voices of those who have suffered. The poem's closing lines, with their emphasis on the faces of the dead, leave a lasting impression of the human toll of war and the imperative to work towards a more peaceful future.
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