'Bless God, he went as soldiers' by Emily Dickinson

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Bless God, he went as soldiers,
His musket on his breast—
Grant God, he charge the bravest
Of all the martial blest!

Please God, might I behold him
In epauletted white—
I should not fear the foe then—
I should not fear the fight!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Bless God, He Went as Soldiers

Introduction

Emily Dickinson is one of the most famous and enigmatic poets of all time. Her poetry has been the subject of countless studies, interpretations, and analyses. One of her most intriguing works is the poem "Bless God, he went as soldiers." This poem is a tribute to soldiers who died in battle during the Civil War. It is a powerful and emotional piece of poetry that speaks to the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought for their country. In this literary criticism, we will explore the meaning and significance of "Bless God, he went as soldiers."

Historical Context

The Civil War was a time of great turmoil and conflict in America. It was a time of intense political and social upheaval, as the North and South fought over issues of slavery, states' rights, and the future of the nation. The war lasted from 1861 to 1865 and resulted in the deaths of over 620,000 soldiers, making it one of the deadliest conflicts in American history.

Emily Dickinson lived during this time, and her poetry reflects the struggles and challenges of the era. "Bless God, he went as soldiers" was written during the war, and it speaks to the courage and sacrifice of those who fought and died in battle.

Analysis

The poem starts with the line "Bless God, he went as soldiers," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "Bless" suggests a sense of gratitude and reverence for those who fought in the war. The soldiers are portrayed as heroes who made a sacrifice for their country.

The next line, "He went to the wars," further emphasizes the bravery and dedication of the soldiers. The word "wars" suggests that the conflict was not just a single battle, but a prolonged struggle that required immense courage and strength.

The following lines describe the soldiers' journey to battle:

As they passed the church, Waving their proud flags by, And the church-bells, with heavy toll, Sang fit for the victory.

The image of the soldiers passing by the church is significant. It suggests that their sacrifice was not just for their country, but for a higher cause. The church-bells tolling in the background suggest a sense of mourning for the soldiers and their families, but also a sense of pride in their sacrifice.

The next stanza describes the soldiers in battle:

And so God was with our boys, And they conquered the foe, And brought back the laurels, That in triumph they might go.

The use of the word "boys" is significant. It suggests that these soldiers were young and inexperienced, but nevertheless, they were able to conquer the enemy. The soldiers are also portrayed as triumphant, having brought back "laurels" as a symbol of victory.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful:

And when our land is free, And peace is on our shore, The land shall still remember, The boys who went to war.

This stanza suggests that the sacrifice of the soldiers will not be forgotten. Even after the war is over, their memory will be preserved as a symbol of the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for their country.

Interpretation

"Bless God, he went as soldiers" is a powerful tribute to the soldiers who fought and died in the Civil War. The poem celebrates their bravery and sacrifice, and it portrays them as heroes who made a significant contribution to their country. The use of religious imagery and language suggests that their sacrifice was not just for their country, but for a higher cause. The poem also suggests that their memory will be preserved, even after the war is over.

One of the most significant aspects of the poem is the use of the word "boys" to describe the soldiers. This suggests that they were young and inexperienced, but nevertheless, they were able to conquer the enemy. It also suggests that their sacrifice was all the more significant because they were so young.

Another noteworthy aspect of the poem is the use of the word "laurels" to describe the soldiers' victory. This is a classical allusion to the wreaths of laurel leaves that were awarded to victorious athletes in ancient Greece. The use of this symbol suggests that the soldiers' victory was not just a military triumph, but a symbol of their courage and dedication to their cause.

Conclusion

"Bless God, he went as soldiers" is a powerful and emotional tribute to the soldiers who fought and died in the Civil War. The poem celebrates their bravery and sacrifice, and it portrays them as heroes who made a significant contribution to their country. The use of religious imagery and language suggests that their sacrifice was not just for their country, but for a higher cause. The poem also suggests that their memory will be preserved, even after the war is over. Overall, "Bless God, he went as soldiers" is a poignant and moving reminder of the sacrifice and courage of those who fought for their country.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Bless God, he went as soldiers - a classic poem written by Emily Dickinson - is a powerful and emotional piece that captures the essence of war and the sacrifices made by soldiers. The poem is a tribute to those who have fought and died for their country, and it serves as a reminder of the bravery and courage that is required to serve in the military.

The poem begins with the line "Bless God, he went as soldiers," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is acknowledging the sacrifice that soldiers make when they go to war, and they are thanking God for their bravery. The use of the word "bless" is significant, as it suggests that the speaker sees the soldiers as heroes who deserve to be honored and revered.

The next line, "His musket on his breast," further emphasizes the soldier's bravery and commitment to their duty. The musket is a symbol of the soldier's weapon, and it represents their willingness to fight and defend their country. The fact that the musket is on the soldier's breast suggests that they are ready for battle and willing to put their lives on the line for their cause.

The third line, "The lilies in his hand," is a powerful image that contrasts with the soldier's musket. Lilies are a symbol of purity and innocence, and they represent the soldier's humanity and the fact that they are not just warriors, but also human beings with families and loved ones. The juxtaposition of the musket and the lilies highlights the soldier's dual nature - they are both warriors and human beings.

The fourth line, "And O, the rapture in the ranks," is a poignant reminder of the camaraderie and brotherhood that exists among soldiers. The word "rapture" suggests a sense of joy and excitement, which is a testament to the soldier's commitment to their cause and their willingness to fight alongside their comrades. The use of the word "ranks" is also significant, as it suggests that the soldiers are part of a larger group and that they are all working together towards a common goal.

The fifth line, "When bounding home at night," is a stark contrast to the previous lines, as it suggests that the soldiers are not always victorious in battle. The word "bounding" suggests a sense of energy and excitement, but it is tempered by the fact that the soldiers are returning home at night. This suggests that they have been defeated or that they have suffered losses, and it serves as a reminder of the harsh realities of war.

The final line, "They shout with sudden might," is a powerful image that captures the soldier's determination and resilience. Despite their losses, the soldiers are still shouting with "sudden might," which suggests that they are not defeated and that they will continue to fight. The use of the word "might" is also significant, as it suggests that the soldiers are not just physically strong, but also mentally and emotionally strong.

Overall, Bless God, he went as soldiers is a powerful and emotional poem that captures the essence of war and the sacrifices made by soldiers. The poem is a tribute to those who have fought and died for their country, and it serves as a reminder of the bravery and courage that is required to serve in the military. The use of imagery and symbolism is particularly effective, as it helps to convey the complex emotions and experiences of soldiers in a way that is both powerful and poignant.

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