Bayonet Charge Flashcards
Analyse the form of Bayonet Charge
Hughes uses form to show that the effect of war is often hidden beneath the surface. When looking at the poem, it looks quite orderly as the stanzas are of regular length. However, when we start to read the poem itself, we begin to understand the horrors. These are the same horrors that are always there – we as a people just have to look deeper to see how bad it really is.
Analyse the opening of Bayonet Charge
Hughes also highlights the chaotic nature of war and its effect on the combatants. He begins with ‘Suddenly he awoke and was running – raw’’. Through the adverb ‘’Suddenly’’ Hughes implies that this soldier, or even all soldiers, are not prepared for the conflict that they face. Furthermore, the verb ‘’awoke’’ suggests that the soldier wasn’t aware of his surroundings. This is supported by the adjective ‘’raw’’, which could link to unprepared food – Hughes could be showing us how unprepared these soldiers really are. In fact, it’s dangerous to eat raw food in the same way that it’s dangerous for these soldiers to be out in the field so unprepared. We are thrown straight into the action with this beginning – we as the reader are unprepared.
Analyse Language in Bayonet Charge
Hughes also criticises the dehumanization of the soldiers. He describes the ‘’cold clockwork’’ of the ‘’stars’’ and the ‘’nations’’. This links to Hughes obsession with astrology – he wonders if it is fate for all soldiers to fight and die for their country. Also, the noun ‘’clockwork’’ could suggest that the soldier is simply a cog in the machine that is conflict.
Analyse Structure in Bayonet Charge
Similarly, Hughes also highlights the chaos and disorder that war causes. Throughout his poem, Hughes uses enjambment to show the chaos and the lack of control that the soldier has over his fate. Alternatively, it could suggest an overwhelming urge to communicate; the speaker could not have much time left. Through this, Hughes creates the impression that war is unpredictable, and it’s effect can often be fatal.
Analyse the ending of Bayonet Charge
Hughes ends his poem by describing the final impact on these soldiers. He describes his ‘’terror’s touchy dynamite’’. This links to the ‘’molten iron’’ described in the first stanza, which described the metaphorical pressure of war and the internal consequences. The noun ‘’dynamite’’ suggests something explosive – is this soldier about to erupt? Well, Hughes suggests that this eruption is inevitable. Whether it’s PTSD, or he dies in the war, the soldier will never be the same.
