Reality of conflict

Question 1

Exposure: bleak imagery

Answer 1

bleak imagery used to convey men’s pain- description of frost as “puckering foreheads crisp” compels reader to imagine their flesh freezing. comparing noise of wind to “twitching agonies of men” creates vivid picture of wounded soldiers

Question 2

Exposure: patriotism or heroism

Answer 2

reality of war laves no room for patriotism or heroism, the men “cringe in holes” like frightened animals. rhetorical question “what are we doing here?” emphasises pointlessness of their suffering

Question 3

Exposure: hopeless tone

Answer 3

hopeless tone of poem suggests men believe they have little chance of surviving. seem to have accepted they they’ll never see their families or homes again

Question 4

Bayonet Charge: confused/helpless victim

Answer 4

soldier presented as confused and helpless victim, he is “running” in state of bewilderment, verbs like “stumbling” suggest he has no control of his situation or actions

Question 5

Bayonet Charge: discomfort

Answer 5

soldier’s discomfort clear from his “raw-seamed hot khaki” and the way he “lugged” his rifle. violent imagery such as “bullets smacking the belly out of the air” hint he may be in pain

Question 6

Bayonet Charge: noise and confusion

Answer 6

physical descriptions of battle create sense of noise and confusion. the “blue crackling air” gives impression that soldier is completely surrounded by danger

Question 7

Bayonet Charge: patriotism

Answer 7

soldier’s patriotism and principles are “dropped like luxuries”, they’re no use to him in heat of battle