The Man He Killed Flashcards
‘You shoot…
A fellow down’
‘Was out of work…
No other reason why’
‘I shot him dead because -
Because he was my foe’
‘Killed him in
His place’
‘Staring face
To face’
How does the speaker use matter of fact language in the poem?
The soldier uses matter of fact language to describe killing the man. This detached language contrasts with the serious message behind the poem and helps to highlight the impersonal nature of war.
How does the speaker use hesitant language in the poem?
Repetition and caesurae are used to show that the speaker is questioning why he shot the man. Contrast to the final paragraph where the exclamation ‘yes’ shows that he has come to a conclusion.
What is the structure of the poem?
Cyclical structure of the poem reflects thought processes. Stanza 1 ‘ancient inn’ and final stanza ‘bar’. Shows that trauma is ongoing.
What is the form of the poem?
Dramatic monologue with regular rhyme scheme which makes the poem conversational.
What is the context behind the poem?
Written during the Boer war
Hardy was a pacifist
Hardy was critical of war
Objected to the British use of concentration camps.
