'Eighth Air Force' by Randall Jarrell
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If, in an odd angle of the hutment,
A puppy laps the water from a can
Of flowers, and the drunk sergeant shaving
Whistles O Paradiso!--shall I say that man
Is not as men have said: a wolf to man?
The other murderers troop in yawning;
Three of them play Pitch, one sleeps, and one
Lies counting missions, lies there sweating
Till even his heart beats: One; One; One.
O murderers! . . . Still, this is how it's done:
This is a war . . . But since these play, before they die,
Like puppies with their puppy; since, a man,
I did as these have done, but did not die--
I will content the people as I can
And give up these to them: Behold the man!
I have suffered, in a dream, because of him,
Many things; for this last saviour, man,
I have lied as I lie now. But what is lying?
Men wash their hands, in blood, as best they can:
I find no fault in this just man.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Magnificent Display of Irony in Randall Jarrell’s “Eighth Air Force”
As I read through Randall Jarrell’s poem, “Eighth Air Force,” I couldn't help but wonder how he crafted such a masterpiece. This is a poem that stands out among other war poems not only because of its unique structure but also because of the great use of irony displayed. This is a poem that is both beautiful and heart-wrenching, and I couldn't help but be captivated by its every line. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I’ll be diving deep into Randall Jarrell’s work, exploring its themes, imagery, and structure, and analyzing how they all work together to create such a compelling and profoundly ironic poem.
Themes
“Eighth Air Force” is a poem that’s deeply rooted in themes of war and death, and the impact that it has on the soldiers who fight it. The poem is set during WWII, and it follows the journey of a group of soldiers as they embark on a mission to drop bombs on Germany. The theme of death is prevalent throughout the poem, with the soldiers knowing full well that they may not come back alive from this mission.
One of the most striking things about this poem is the way that Jarrell presents war. Instead of glorifying it, he depicts it as a brutal and senseless act that only serves to destroy lives. In the poem, we see the soldiers trying to justify their actions, saying that they’re doing it for their country and for the greater good, but Jarrell makes it clear that there’s no justification for the destruction that war brings.
Another central theme in the poem is the idea of sacrifice. The soldiers know that they’re putting themselves in harm's way, and they’re willing to make this sacrifice for the greater good. However, Jarrell highlights the futility of this sacrifice, showing that no amount of bravery or sacrifice can ever make up for the loss of life that war brings.
Imagery
One of the standout elements of “Eighth Air Force” is the powerful imagery that Jarrell uses throughout the poem. From the opening lines, we’re transported into the world of the soldiers, seeing the world through their eyes. One of the most striking images in the poem is the description of the planes taking off:
We were flying over France Flying in the lead squadron Flying low and twenty feet away You could see the enemy's plane, you could see his face
Here, Jarrell creates a vivid image of the soldiers flying low over France, with the enemy planes visible in the distance. The use of the second person here puts the reader right in the middle of the action, making us feel as though we’re in the planes with the soldiers.
Another powerful image in the poem is the description of the bombs falling:
The bombs were falling down like dominoes The bombs were falling down like hail The bombs were falling down like rain
Here, Jarrell uses similes to create a sense of chaos and destruction. The use of “dominoes,” “hail,” and “rain” all convey the idea that the bombs are falling rapidly and indiscriminately, destroying everything in their path.
Structure
The structure of “Eighth Air Force” is also worth noting. The poem is divided into three sections, each of which has a distinct tone and style. The first section is the most descriptive, with the soldiers setting out on their mission and describing the landscape around them. The second section is more introspective, with the soldiers reflecting on the impact of the bombs they’ve dropped. The third section is the most emotional, with the soldiers mourning the loss of their comrades and questioning the futility of war.
Another interesting aspect of the poem’s structure is the use of repetition. Throughout the poem, Jarrell repeats certain phrases and images, creating a sense of continuity and consistency. For example, the phrase “we were flying” is repeated several times in the first section, creating a sense of rhythm and momentum.
Irony
However, the most significant aspect of this poem is the irony that runs through it. Jarrell uses irony to great effect, highlighting the absurdity of war and the way that it dehumanizes those who fight it. One example of irony in the poem is the way that the soldiers try to justify their actions. They say that they’re fighting for their country and for the greater good, but Jarrell makes it clear that there’s no justification for the destruction that war brings.
Another example of irony in the poem is the way that Jarrell describes the bombs falling. He uses similes such as “dominoes,” “hail,” and “rain” to create a sense of chaos and destruction. However, the use of these similes also serves to distance the reader from the reality of what’s happening. The bombs are falling like rain, but we don’t feel the impact of the bombs hitting the ground or the people below.
The most significant example of irony in the poem is the way that Jarrell describes the soldiers themselves. He portrays them as brave and heroic, willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country. However, through his use of repetition and imagery, he also shows us that they’re dehumanized by war. They’re reduced to nothing more than cogs in a machine, flying their planes and dropping their bombs without thinking about the human cost of their actions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Eighth Air Force” is a poem that is both beautiful and heart-wrenching, filled with powerful imagery and profound irony. It’s a poem that forces us to confront the reality of war and the impact that it has on those who fight it. Through his use of repetition, imagery, and structure, Jarrell creates a sense of continuity and consistency while also highlighting the absurdity and futility of war. This is a poem that will stay with me for a long time, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Eighth Air Force: A Poem of War and Humanity
Randall Jarrell's Eighth Air Force is a classic poem that captures the essence of war and humanity. The poem is a tribute to the brave men who fought in the skies during World War II, and it portrays the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and language.
The poem is divided into three parts, each of which represents a different stage of the war. The first part describes the initial excitement and enthusiasm of the young pilots as they prepare for their first mission. The second part portrays the brutal reality of war as the pilots face the dangers of enemy fire and the loss of their comrades. The final part is a reflection on the meaning of war and the human cost of conflict.
The first part of the poem is filled with excitement and anticipation. The young pilots are eager to prove themselves and to make a difference in the war effort. Jarrell captures this sense of excitement in his vivid descriptions of the planes and the pilots:
"The bombers climb like birds of prey Up through the clouds, and look down on the bay And see the whole island, a bomber's moon, Under the smoke that drifts from burning dunes."
The imagery of the planes climbing like birds of prey is particularly striking, as it conveys the sense of power and agility that the pilots feel as they take to the skies. The reference to the "bomber's moon" also adds a sense of romance and adventure to the scene.
However, as the poem progresses, the tone becomes darker and more somber. The second part of the poem portrays the harsh reality of war, as the pilots face the dangers of enemy fire and the loss of their comrades. Jarrell's language becomes more stark and brutal, as he describes the planes being hit by enemy fire:
"The planes are hit; they climb more slowly now, And struggle up, and hang there, and don't know how To turn, or what to do, or where to go."
The sense of confusion and disorientation is palpable in these lines, as the pilots struggle to maintain control of their planes in the face of enemy fire. The loss of their comrades is also a recurring theme in this part of the poem, as Jarrell describes the planes falling from the sky:
"And then the planes fall, one by one, like leaves In weather that's too cold for them to live."
The comparison of the planes to leaves falling from a tree is a poignant one, as it emphasizes the fragility of human life in the face of war.
The final part of the poem is a reflection on the meaning of war and the human cost of conflict. Jarrell's language becomes more philosophical and introspective, as he contemplates the futility of war:
"War is no longer something to be won, It's nothing but a waste of moon and sun, And endless wealth of men that perish there."
The reference to the "endless wealth of men" is particularly striking, as it emphasizes the human cost of war. Jarrell's use of the word "perish" also adds a sense of finality and inevitability to the scene.
In terms of structure, the poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter. This gives the poem a sense of spontaneity and improvisation, which is appropriate for a poem about war. The lack of a set structure also allows Jarrell to experiment with different forms and styles, as he shifts from vivid descriptions of the planes to philosophical reflections on the meaning of war.
In terms of language, Jarrell's use of imagery is particularly effective in conveying the sense of excitement and danger that the pilots feel. His descriptions of the planes climbing like birds of prey and the bombers' moon are particularly vivid and memorable. His use of metaphor is also effective, as he compares the planes to leaves falling from a tree and war to a waste of moon and sun.
In conclusion, Eighth Air Force is a classic poem that captures the essence of war and humanity. It portrays the excitement and enthusiasm of the young pilots, the brutal reality of war, and the human cost of conflict. Jarrell's use of vivid imagery and metaphor is particularly effective in conveying the sense of danger and fragility that pervades the poem. The poem is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that were made during World War II, and of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
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