Language analysis Flashcards
‘What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?’
Die ‘as cattle’ suggestthat the soldiers are worthlessness, helplessness and are being killed en masse, in the same way that animals normally are.
Perhaps’
Suggests that the person is uncertain or unsure.
My’
Suggests that something belongs to someone; possession.
Who’s for the game, the biggest that’s played, The red crashing game of a fight?’
War is a game which is fun and competitive. There will be a prize at the end.
wheeling, spiralling, falling.’
The increase in verbs here can be seen as a boost of the desperation of the speaker of not knowing what is going to happen to him. It also foreshadows that the man will die.
‘Bent double, like old beggars under sacks’
This linesuggests that the soldiers look like old men. The simile describes how tatty their uniforms are. This is very different to when they first went to war looking physically fit, smart and proud to be fighting for their country.
‘Boy’
Conveys the idea that the person is young and vulnerable. Also inexperienced and naïve.
‘Hear me, my Chiefs!’
Informing the other chiefs who continue to fight a hopeless battle that the time has come to surrender to the opposing forces.
‘Does it matter? -losing your legs?’
The rhetorical question suggests that the poet is being sarcastic, as a soldier losing their legs while fighting in war, did not seem like a big deal to a lot of people. However, it will have a massive impact on the soldier’s life.
Proudly’
The adverb suggests that the soldiers have a deep satisfaction and pleasure when going out to battle.
