Bayonet Charge

Question 1

What is the main emotion depicted in ‘Bayonet Charge’?

Answer 1

Fear

The poem explores the intense fear experienced by a soldier during combat.

Question 2

What individual experience is highlighted in the line ‘Suddenly he awoke and was running’?

Answer 2

The abrupt realization and instinctive reaction to danger

This line illustrates the soldier’s sudden transition from a state of rest to active engagement in battle.

Question 3

What does the phrase ‘He lugged a rifle numb as a smashed arm’ suggest?

Answer 3

A sense of physical and emotional detachment

The comparison emphasizes the weight of the rifle and the soldier’s numbed state in the chaos of war.

Question 4

What feeling does the line ‘In bewilderment … almost stopped-‘ convey?

Answer 4

Confusion and hesitation

This reflects the soldier’s momentary pause to process the overwhelming situation.

Question 5

What concepts are represented by ‘King, honour, human dignity, etcetera’?

Answer 5

Ideals and values often associated with warfare

These terms highlight the contrast between noble ideals and the brutal reality of combat.

Question 6

What does ‘His terror’s touchy dynamité’ imply?

Answer 6

The explosive nature of fear

This line suggests that fear can trigger intense and unpredictable reactions, similar to dynamite.