Mametz Wood Flashcards
What’s the story of Mametz Wood
Farmers in France find the skeletons and bones of soldiers who were killed in ww1.
What’s the context of Mametz Wood?
Mametz Wood was the place where a fierce battle took place during the Battle of the Somme. Generals thought it would take a few hours however it lasted 5 whole days.
What are the messages of the poem?
- War is futile (useless) and a waste of young people’s lives
-Importance of remembrance.
What is the structure of Mametz Wood?
- Structure is uneven which shows the ploughed fields and fragmented bones.
“For years afterwards the farmers found them - the wasted young”
Many years after the soldiers reveal themselves. “the wasted young” suggests that war is futile.
“the blown and broken bird’s egg of a skull”
this metaphor emphasises the fragility of life, eggs suggest new life cut short.
“where they were told to walk, not run”
soldiers became easy targets.
“like a wound working a foreign body to the surface of the skin”
the metaphor suggests that the earth wants to ensure that the soldiers aren’t forgotten so it pushed them to the surface.
their skeletons paused mid dance-macabre
symbolises the inevitability of death for all.
with this unearthing, slipped from their absent tongues
gives the soldiers back their voice. they are able to be recognised and ensure that their sacrifice is not forgotten.
