'Into Battle' by Julian Greenfell
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1The naked earth is warm with Spring,
2And with green grass and bursting trees
3Leans to the sun's gaze glorying,
4And quivers in the sunny breeze;
5And life is Colour and Warmth and Light,
6And a striving evermore for these;
7And he is dead who will not fight,
8And who dies fighting has increase.
9The fighting man shall from the sun
10Take warmth, and life from glowing earth;
11Speed with the light-foot winds to run
12And with the trees to newer birth;
13And find, when fighting shall be done,
14Great rest, and fulness after dearth.
15All the bright company of Heaven
16Hold him in their bright comradeship,
17The Dog star, and the Sisters Seven,
18Orion's belt and sworded hip:
19The woodland trees that stand together,
20They stand to him each one a friend;
21They gently speak in the windy weather;
22They guide to valley and ridges end.
23The kestrel hovering by day,
24And the little owls that call by night,
25Bid him be swift and keen as they,
26As keen of ear, as swift of sight.
27The blackbird sings to him: "Brother, brother,
28If this be the last song you shall sing,
29Sing well, for you may not sing another;
30Brother, sing."
31In dreary doubtful waiting hours,
32Before the brazen frenzy starts,
33The horses show him nobler powers; --
34O patient eyes, courageous hearts!
35And when the burning moment breaks,
36And all things else are out of mind,
37And only joy of battle takes
38Him by the throat and makes him blind,
39Through joy and blindness he shall know,
40Not caring much to know, that still
41Nor lead nor steel shall reach him, so
42That it be not the Destined Will.
43The thundering line of battle stands,
44And in the air Death moans and sings;
45But Day shall clasp him with strong hands,
46And Night shall fold him in soft wings.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Julian Grenfell's "Into Battle": A Poem of Passion and Patriotism
Julian Grenfell's "Into Battle" is a poem that stirs the heart and awakens the senses. Written during the early days of World War I, the poem captures the passion and patriotism of a young soldier as he prepares to face the horrors of battle. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, imagery, and language of this classic poem, and offer insights into its enduring appeal.
Historical Context
Before delving into the poem, it is important to consider its historical context. Julian Grenfell was a British soldier who fought in the First World War. He was born in 1888, the son of a wealthy family, and was educated at Eton and Oxford. Grenfell was also a talented athlete and writer, and had a passion for poetry. He joined the army in 1914, and served with the Royal Dragoons, a cavalry regiment.
Grenfell was wounded in 1915, and returned to England to recover. During this time, he wrote "Into Battle", which was published in The Times in May of that year. The poem was an instant success, and became a rallying cry for British soldiers as they headed to the front lines. Grenfell himself returned to the battlefield, and was killed in action in 1915 at the age of 27.
Themes
One of the key themes of "Into Battle" is patriotism. The poem celebrates the bravery and sacrifice of British soldiers, who are portrayed as fearless and heroic. Grenfell writes, "The naked earth is warm with Spring, / And with green grass and bursting trees / Leans to the sun's gaze glorying, / And quivers in the sunny breeze." This idyllic scene is juxtaposed with the harsh reality of war, as soldiers "passionately" march "into the jaws of Death".
Another theme of the poem is the idea of duty. Grenfell suggests that it is the duty of soldiers to fight and die for their country. He writes, "Who shall say if we shall pass / Through this night, or see our friends, / Or whether we shall die at last, / And meet oblivion without amends?" The poem acknowledges the uncertainty and danger of war, but also emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's duty, even at the cost of one's life.
A third theme of the poem is the idea of youth and innocence. Grenfell portrays the soldiers as young and idealistic, with their "eyes that keenly glow / With the light that battle's fire discloses". This youthful passion and innocence is contrasted with the brutal reality of war, as soldiers face "the thunder of our cannon's roar". The poem suggests that war destroys not only lives, but also the innocence and idealism of youth.
Imagery
One of the most striking features of "Into Battle" is its vivid imagery. Grenfell uses sensory language to create a powerful visual and emotional impact. For example, he describes the soldiers as having "keen eyes" that "glow" with the "light that battle's fire discloses". This image suggests the intense focus and excitement of soldiers as they prepare for battle.
Grenfell also uses natural imagery to contrast the beauty of nature with the brutality of war. He writes, "The naked earth is warm with Spring, / And with green grass and bursting trees / Leans to the sun's gaze glorying". This image creates a sense of peace and tranquility, which is shattered by the soldiers' "passionate" march "into the jaws of Death". The contrast between nature's beauty and the horror of war underscores the tragic waste of human life.
Another image that Grenfell uses is that of light and darkness. He writes, "We are the Pilgrims, master; we shall go / Always a little further: it may be / Beyond that last blue mountain barred with snow, / Across that angry or that glimmering sea". This image suggests the soldiers' determination to continue their journey, despite the darkness and uncertainty that lies ahead.
Language
Grenfell's language in "Into Battle" is simple and direct, with a rhythmic quality that adds to the poem's emotional impact. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which creates a steady beat and a sense of momentum. This rhythm is interrupted at key moments, such as when Grenfell writes, "The naked earth is warm with Spring", which emphasizes the beauty and fragility of nature.
Grenfell also uses repetition to create a sense of urgency and passion. For example, he repeats the phrase "Into the jaws of Death" several times throughout the poem, which emphasizes the soldiers' bravery and sacrifice. The repetition also creates a sense of inevitability, as if the soldiers are fated to face their destiny.
Another technique that Grenfell uses is alliteration, which adds to the poem's musical quality. He writes, "And quivers in the sunny breeze", which emphasizes the gentle beauty of nature. He also writes, "Who shall say if we shall pass", which creates a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty.
Interpretation
"Into Battle" can be interpreted in many ways, depending on one's perspective. Some readers may see the poem as a celebration of patriotism and duty, and a tribute to the bravery of soldiers. Others may view it as a critique of war, and a lament for the loss of innocence and youth.
One possible interpretation of the poem is that it reflects Grenfell's own idealism and youthful enthusiasm. Grenfell was only 26 when he wrote the poem, and had not yet experienced the full horrors of war. The poem captures his passion and optimism, as well as his belief in the righteousness of the British cause.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it reflects the propaganda of the time. The poem was published in The Times, which was a conservative newspaper that supported the war effort. The poem may have been intended to boost morale and encourage enlistment, by glorifying the heroism and sacrifice of soldiers.
A third interpretation of the poem is that it is a critique of war, and a warning against the destruction of human life. Grenfell's use of natural imagery, repetition, and alliteration creates a sense of juxtaposition and conflict, as if the soldiers are fighting against the beauty and tranquility of nature. The poem suggests that war is a tragic waste, and that the idealism and innocence of youth are sacrificed for the sake of political power and national pride.
Conclusion
Julian Grenfell's "Into Battle" is a poem that continues to resonate with readers today, nearly a century after it was written. The poem's themes of patriotism, duty, youth and innocence, as well as its vivid imagery and powerful language, make it a testament to the human spirit in the face of war. Whether one sees the poem as a celebration of heroism or a critique of violence, it remains a powerful and moving work of literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Into Battle: An Analysis of Julian Grenfell's Classic Poem
As the world plunged into the chaos of World War I, many young men were eager to join the fight and prove their bravery on the battlefield. Among them was Julian Grenfell, a British soldier who would become known not only for his courage but also for his poetic talent. Grenfell's poem "Into Battle" captures the spirit of the times and the emotions of those who were willing to risk everything for their country.
The poem begins with a powerful image of soldiers marching towards the front lines, their faces set with determination and their hearts filled with a sense of duty. Grenfell describes them as "young, strong, and clean," emphasizing their youth and vitality. He also notes that they are "gay," a word that in this context means not just happy but also brave and resolute. This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which celebrates the courage and sacrifice of these soldiers.
In the second stanza, Grenfell shifts his focus to the natural world, describing the beauty of the landscape that the soldiers are leaving behind. He notes the "green slopes" and the "silvered trees," painting a picture of a peaceful and idyllic countryside. However, he also acknowledges that this beauty is fleeting, that it will soon be destroyed by the violence of war. He writes, "But they shall come again with joy, / Safe and victorious." This line is both hopeful and ominous, suggesting that the soldiers will return home but that they will have to endure great hardship and danger first.
The third stanza is perhaps the most famous of the poem, and it is easy to see why. Grenfell's language is vivid and evocative, capturing the intensity of the soldiers' emotions as they prepare for battle. He writes, "They are going out to fight; they are young, / In six months, nine perhaps, they will be old." This line is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the soldiers will age rapidly as a result of the trauma they will experience. Grenfell also uses powerful metaphors to describe the soldiers' weapons, calling them "bright swords" and "flashing guns." These images convey both the danger and the glory of war, highlighting the complex emotions that soldiers feel as they go into battle.
The fourth stanza is a bit more abstract, as Grenfell reflects on the nature of courage and sacrifice. He writes, "Life, with its myriad mysteries, / Hastens onward to the fight." This line suggests that life itself is a battle, and that the soldiers are simply taking part in a larger struggle. Grenfell also notes that the soldiers are "giving up the years and youth / That others may recall them." This line is particularly powerful, as it highlights the selflessness of the soldiers' sacrifice. They are not fighting for personal glory or gain, but rather for the sake of others.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most hopeful, as Grenfell looks forward to the end of the war and the soldiers' eventual return home. He writes, "They shall return with glory, / And a shout like thunder, / They shall march with their flags unfurled, / And their drums shall shake the earth." These lines are filled with a sense of triumph and joy, suggesting that the soldiers' sacrifice will ultimately be worth it. Grenfell also notes that the soldiers will be remembered for their bravery, writing, "Memory and oblivion shall be as one, / And fame shall be their shadow." This line suggests that the soldiers' sacrifice will not be forgotten, but rather will be celebrated for generations to come.
Overall, "Into Battle" is a powerful and moving poem that captures the spirit of World War I and the emotions of those who fought in it. Grenfell's language is vivid and evocative, and his metaphors are both beautiful and haunting. The poem celebrates the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers, while also acknowledging the horror and tragedy of war. It is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the complexity of human experience, and to help us make sense of the world around us.
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