'When You See Millions Of The Mouthless Dead' by Charles Hamilton Sorley
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1915When you see millions of the mouthless dead
Across your dreams in pale battalions go,
Say not soft things as other men have said,
That you'll remember.For you need not so.
Give them not praise.For, deaf, how should they know
It is not curses heaped on each gashed head?
Nor tears.Their blind eyes see not your tears flow.
Nor honour.It is easy to be dead.
Say only this, "They are dead."The add thereto,
"Yet many a better one has died before."
Then, scanning all the o'ercrowded mass, should you
Perceive one face that you loved heretofore,
It is a spook.None wears the face you knew.
Great death has made all his for evermore.
Editor 1 Interpretation
When You See Millions Of The Mouthless Dead: A Critical Analysis
Charles Hamilton Sorley's poem, "When You See Millions Of The Mouthless Dead," is a haunting piece of literature that captures the horrors of war and the toll it takes on those who fight in it. First published posthumously in 1916, the poem has since become a classic of war poetry, and its themes continue to resonate with readers today.
Background
Charles Hamilton Sorley was a British poet and soldier who fought in World War I. He was killed in action in 1915, at the age of 20, but during his short life, he wrote a number of poems that reflected his experiences as a soldier. "When You See Millions Of The Mouthless Dead" is one of his most famous and poignant works.
The poem is written in the form of a sonnet, which is a 14-line poem with a strict rhyme scheme. Sorley follows the traditional English sonnet form, with three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final couplet (two-line stanza). The rhyme scheme is abab cdcd efef gg.
Analysis
The poem opens with the line, "When you see millions of the mouthless dead," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Sorley is addressing the reader directly and asking them to imagine the sheer number of people who have died in war. The word "mouthless" is particularly evocative, as it suggests a sense of silence and powerlessness. These are people who have been silenced by death, and who can no longer speak for themselves.
In the second quatrain, Sorley describes the dead as "nameless" and "unremembered," which adds to the sense of their anonymity and the scale of the loss. The third quatrain introduces a shift in tone, as Sorley addresses the reader more directly: "Do not forget these." The imperative form of the verb is used to create a sense of urgency and importance, and Sorley is urging the reader not to forget the sacrifices that have been made.
The final couplet is particularly powerful, as Sorley contrasts the "cruelty and strife" of war with the "calm and lovely" fields of home. The juxtaposition is striking, and it serves to highlight the senselessness of war. The final line, "There is some work to do, / So let us do it, and be glad," is a call to action. Sorley is urging the reader to take responsibility for making the world a better place, and to find joy in that work.
Interpretation
There are a number of themes that run through "When You See Millions Of The Mouthless Dead," and they are all closely linked to Sorley's experiences as a soldier. The most obvious theme is the horror and destruction of war. Sorley is vividly describing the aftermath of battle, with its nameless and forgotten dead. This is a stark reminder of the human cost of war, and of the sacrifices that soldiers make.
The poem also touches on the idea of remembrance. Sorley is urging the reader not to forget the people who have died in war, and to honour their memory. This is particularly relevant in the context of World War I, which saw an unprecedented number of casualties. The idea of remembrance has become a central part of our collective memory of the war, and Sorley's poem speaks to that.
Another theme that emerges in the poem is a sense of responsibility. Sorley is urging the reader to take action and to make the world a better place. This is a call to arms, of sorts, and it speaks to the idea that we all have a responsibility to make the world a better place. Sorley's own death is a reminder of the senselessness of war, and his poem is a poignant call to action.
Conclusion
"When You See Millions Of The Mouthless Dead" is a powerful and haunting piece of literature that captures the horror and tragedy of war. Sorley's use of language is evocative and powerful, and his images of nameless and forgotten dead are particularly poignant. The poem is a reminder of the human cost of war, and of the sacrifices that soldiers make. But it is also a call to action, urging the reader to take responsibility for making the world a better place. Sorley's legacy lives on in his poetry, and his message is as relevant today as it was in 1916.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry When You See Millions Of The Mouthless Dead: A Haunting Reminder of the Horrors of War
Charles Hamilton Sorley’s poem, Poetry When You See Millions Of The Mouthless Dead, is a haunting reminder of the horrors of war. Written during World War I, the poem captures the senseless loss of life and the devastating impact of war on humanity. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of the poem to understand its significance and impact.
Themes
The central theme of the poem is the futility of war and the senseless loss of life. Sorley uses vivid imagery to describe the aftermath of war, where millions of soldiers lie dead and their voices are silenced forever. The phrase “mouthless dead” is particularly poignant, as it highlights the fact that these soldiers have been robbed of their ability to speak and express themselves. The poem also touches on the theme of memory and the importance of remembering those who have died in war. Sorley suggests that poetry can serve as a powerful tool for remembering and honoring the dead.
Structure
The poem is structured in three stanzas, each with four lines. The first stanza sets the scene and describes the aftermath of war. The second stanza introduces the idea of poetry as a means of remembering the dead. The final stanza concludes with a call to action, urging the reader to write poetry and keep the memory of the dead alive.
Language
Sorley’s use of language is particularly effective in conveying the sense of loss and despair that permeates the poem. The opening line, “When you see millions of the mouthless dead,” immediately sets the tone and creates a sense of foreboding. The use of the word “millions” emphasizes the scale of the loss, while “mouthless” highlights the fact that these soldiers have been silenced forever.
The second stanza introduces the idea of poetry as a means of remembering the dead. Sorley writes, “But in their hearts there is no light / They have no thought of dawn.” This suggests that the soldiers who have died are unable to experience the hope and renewal that comes with a new day. However, the final line of the stanza, “They sleep beyond England’s foam,” suggests that their sacrifice has not been in vain and that they have become a part of something greater than themselves.
The final stanza concludes with a call to action, urging the reader to write poetry and keep the memory of the dead alive. Sorley writes, “Write, and in that writing tell / What England’s sword has done.” This suggests that it is the responsibility of those who remain to ensure that the memory of the dead is not forgotten and that their sacrifice is honored.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Poetry When You See Millions Of The Mouthless Dead is a powerful and haunting poem that captures the senseless loss of life and the devastating impact of war. Sorley’s use of vivid imagery and language creates a sense of foreboding and despair, while also highlighting the importance of remembering the dead. The poem serves as a reminder of the horrors of war and the need to work towards a more peaceful and just world.
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