'"The Men That Fought At Minden"' by Rudyard Kipling


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A Song of Instruction

The men that fought at Minden, they was rookies in their time --
So was them that fought at Waterloo!
All the 'ole command, yuss, from Minden to Maiwand,
They was once dam' sweeps like you!

Then do not be discouraged, 'Eaven is your 'elper,
We'll learn you not to forget;
An' you mustn't swear an' curse, or you'll only catch it worse,
For we'll make you soldiers yet!

The men that fought at Minden, they 'ad stocks beneath their chins,
Six inch 'igh an' more;
But fatigue it was their pride, and they ~would~ not be denied
To clean the cook-'ouse floor.

The men that fought at Minden, they had anarchistic bombs
Served to 'em by name of 'and-grenades;
But they got it in the eye (same as you will by-an'-by)
When they clubbed their field-parades.

The men that fought at Minden, they 'ad buttons up an' down,
Two-an'-twenty dozen of 'em told;
But they didn't grouse an' shirk at an hour's extry work,
They kept 'em bright as gold.

The men that fought at Minden, they was armed with musketoons,
Also, they was drilled by 'alberdiers;
I don't know what they were, but the sergeants took good care
They washed be'ind their ears.

The men that fought at Minden, they 'ad ever cash in 'and
Which they did not bank nor save,
But spent it gay an' free on their betters -- such as me --
For the good advice I gave.

The men that fought at Minden, they was civil -- yuss, they was --
Never didn't talk o' rights an' wrongs,
But they got it with the toe (same as you will get it -- so!) --
For interrupting songs.

The men that fought at Minden, they was several other things
Which I don't remember clear;
But ~that's~ the reason why, now the six-year men are dry,
The rooks will stand the beer!

Then do not be discouraged, 'Eaven is your 'elper,
We'll learn you not to forget;
An' you mustn't swear an' curse, or you'll only catch it worse,
For we'll make you soldiers yet!

Soldiers yet, if you've got it in you --
All for the sake of the Core;
Soldiers yet, if we 'ave to skin you --
Run an' get the beer, Johnny Raw -- Johnny Raw!
Ho! run an' get the beer, Johnny Raw!

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Men That Fought At Minden: Exploring Rudyard Kipling's War Poetry

Rudyard Kipling is a name that resonates with literature enthusiasts all over the world. The creator of literary masterpieces such as The Jungle Book, Kipling is also renowned for his war poetry. One of his most notable works in this genre is "The Men That Fought At Minden." Written in 1891, this poem is a stirring portrayal of the Battle of Minden, fought during the Seven Years' War. In this essay, we will explore the themes, language, and imagery that Kipling employs in this poem, and their relevance to the larger context of war poetry.

Themes

At its core, "The Men That Fought At Minden" is a poem about the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers in war. Kipling portrays the soldiers as selfless heroes who are willing to lay down their lives for their country. This theme is evident right from the opening lines of the poem, where Kipling describes the soldiers as "stalwart men and brave, / On the fields of Minden they fought and died." The use of the word "stalwart" immediately conjures up the image of strong, brave men who are willing to face any challenge.

Another important theme in the poem is that of patriotism. Kipling portrays the soldiers as deeply committed to their country, willing to fight and die for it without hesitation. This is evident in lines such as "For England's sake they fought and bled," where Kipling emphasizes the soldiers' love for their country. The poem also highlights the sacrifices that soldiers make for their country, as seen in lines such as "The lads who died for England's sake / Sleep on by Minden's plain."

Another significant theme in the poem is that of honor. Kipling portrays the soldiers as men of honor, who fight with dignity and courage. This is evident in the lines "And they rode with a resolute will, / With their faces set towards the foe," where Kipling emphasizes the soldiers' determination and bravery. The poem also depicts the soldiers as men who are willing to die with honor, as seen in the lines "But they died with their faces to the sky, / And their hearts on the field of strife."

Language

One of the most striking features of "The Men That Fought At Minden" is Kipling's use of language. The poem is written in a formal, almost archaic style, with a strong emphasis on rhyme and meter. This style gives the poem a sense of timelessness, as if it were written in an earlier era.

Kipling's use of language also serves to emphasize the heroic nature of the soldiers. He uses words such as "stalwart," "brave," and "resolute" to portray the soldiers as strong and courageous. The use of these words creates a sense of admiration for the soldiers, as they are depicted as men of great character and honor.

Another notable aspect of Kipling's language is the use of repetition. The phrase "For England's sake" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the soldiers' dedication to their country. This repetition serves to reinforce the theme of patriotism, and to create a sense of unity among the soldiers.

Imagery

Kipling's use of imagery is another notable aspect of "The Men That Fought At Minden." The poem is full of vivid descriptions of the battle, creating a sense of realism and intensity. One of the most powerful images in the poem is that of the soldiers "riding to death in the smoke of the fray." This image creates a sense of chaos and danger, as if the soldiers are charging into battle without regard for their own safety.

Another powerful image in the poem is that of the soldiers' final moments. Kipling describes how they "died with their faces to the sky," creating an image of men who are willing to face death with dignity and courage. This image serves to reinforce the theme of honor, and to create a sense of admiration for the soldiers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Men That Fought At Minden" is a powerful and stirring poem that celebrates the bravery, sacrifice, and honor of soldiers in war. Kipling's use of language and imagery serves to reinforce these themes, creating a sense of admiration and appreciation for the soldiers. The poem is a testament to the power of war poetry, and to the enduring legacy of Rudyard Kipling as one of the greatest poets of his time.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Men That Fought At Minden: A Classic Poem by Rudyard Kipling

Rudyard Kipling, the renowned British author, poet, and journalist, is known for his exceptional works that reflect his love for his country and its people. One of his most celebrated poems is "The Men That Fought At Minden," which is a tribute to the brave soldiers who fought in the Battle of Minden in 1759. This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the battle and the courage of the soldiers who fought in it. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail.

The Battle of Minden was a significant event in the Seven Years' War, which was fought between 1756 and 1763. The battle took place on August 1, 1759, near the town of Minden in Germany. The British, Hanoverian, and Prussian forces fought against the French army, which was led by Marshal Contades. The battle was a decisive victory for the British and their allies, and it is considered one of the most significant battles of the war.

Kipling's poem is a tribute to the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Minden. The poem begins with the lines, "To-day, across our fathers' graves, / The astonished years reveal / The remnant of that desperate host / Which cleansed our East with steel." These lines set the tone for the poem and establish the context of the battle. The soldiers who fought in Minden are described as the "remnant of that desperate host," which suggests that they were a small group of survivors who had fought bravely against overwhelming odds.

The poem then goes on to describe the soldiers who fought in Minden. Kipling writes, "Their voices echo in our hearts, / Remembering the day / When, side by side, they stood and fought / The battle of their way." These lines highlight the camaraderie and brotherhood that existed among the soldiers who fought in Minden. They stood side by side and fought together, united in their cause.

Kipling then describes the soldiers' bravery and courage in the face of danger. He writes, "They faced the shot, they broke the square, / They rolled the Frenchman back, / For God they knew behind them lay / The bulwarks of the Black." These lines describe the soldiers' determination to fight for their country and their faith. They faced the enemy's shots and broke their formation, pushing them back. They fought with the knowledge that they were defending their homeland and their beliefs.

The poem then takes a somber turn as Kipling describes the aftermath of the battle. He writes, "And when the fight was ended, / They turned them to the slain, / And counted them, and cared for them, / And never spoke again." These lines describe the soldiers' respect for their fallen comrades. They took the time to count and care for the dead, showing their reverence for those who had given their lives for their cause.

Kipling then ends the poem with a powerful message. He writes, "They sleep beyond Magenta, / And fairer fields than these, / But we that woke to life and love / Honour their memories." These lines suggest that the soldiers who fought in Minden may have died, but their memory lives on. The soldiers who survived the battle woke up to life and love, but they also woke up to the memory of their fallen comrades. They honor their memories by remembering their sacrifice and bravery.

In conclusion, "The Men That Fought At Minden" is a classic poem that pays tribute to the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Minden. Kipling's poem captures the essence of the battle and the soldiers' bravery and courage in the face of danger. The poem also highlights the camaraderie and brotherhood that existed among the soldiers who fought in Minden. Kipling's message is clear: the soldiers who fought in Minden may have died, but their memory lives on. They are honored and remembered for their sacrifice and bravery. This poem is a testament to the human spirit and the courage of those who fight for their country and their beliefs.

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