'A Soldier' by Robert Frost

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He is that fallen lance that lies as hurled,
That lies unlifted now, come dew, come rust,
But still lies pointed as it plowed the dust.
If we who sight along it round the world,
See nothing worthy to have been its mark,
It is because like men we look too near,
Forgetting that as fitted to the sphere,
Our missiles always make too short an arc.
They fall, they rip the grass, they intersect
The curve of earth, and striking, break their own;
They make us cringe for metal-point on stone.
But this we know, the obstacle that checked
And tripped the body, shot the spirit on
Further than target ever showed or shone.

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Soldier: An In-Depth Literary Criticism

Have you ever read a poem that just hits you to the core? That's how I feel about Robert Frost's "A Soldier". This classic poem, published in 1915, is not just a simple ode to a fallen soldier. It's a complex piece that delves into the themes of war, sacrifice, and the human condition. In this literary criticism, I will analyze the poem's structure, language, and imagery to explore its deeper meanings.

Structure

Let's start with the structure. "A Soldier" is a sonnet, a fourteen-line poem that follows a strict rhyme scheme and meter. Frost uses the traditional Petrarchan sonnet form, with an eight-line octave followed by a six-line sestet. The rhyme scheme is ABBAABBA for the octave and CDCDCD for the sestet. This formal structure gives the poem a sense of order and control, which contrasts with the chaotic and brutal subject matter.

But Frost subverts the traditional sonnet form in subtle ways. Instead of a volta, a turn in the argument or theme of the poem, he uses a caesura, a pause or break in the middle of a line. The caesura creates a sense of interruption or hesitation, which reflects the soldier's uncertain fate. Frost also uses enjambment, the continuation of a sentence from one line to the next without punctuation, to create a sense of flow and momentum. This technique gives the poem a sense of movement and urgency, as if the soldier's story is unfolding in real time.

Language

Now let's look at the language Frost uses in "A Soldier". The poem is written in the first person, with the speaker addressing the soldier directly. This creates a sense of intimacy and empathy, as if the speaker is trying to understand and comfort the soldier in his final moments. The language is simple and direct, with short, declarative sentences that convey the soldier's thoughts and feelings.

But Frost also uses figurative language, such as metaphor and personification, to add depth and complexity to the poem. For example, he uses the metaphor of the soldier as a "quenchless spark" to suggest that even in death, the soldier's spirit and sacrifice will live on. He also personifies death as a "strange meeting" that the soldier must face. This personification gives death a sense of agency and purpose, as if it is a force that must be reckoned with.

Imagery

Finally, let's examine the imagery Frost uses in "A Soldier". The poem is filled with vivid and powerful images that convey the horror and tragedy of war. For example, Frost describes the soldier's wounds as "the spouting crash" of a "blowout" that suggests violence and destruction. He also uses visual and tactile imagery to describe the soldier's physical and emotional state, such as the "drenched grass" and the "wild hair" that evoke a sense of chaos and disarray.

But Frost also uses imagery to convey the soldier's sense of duty and honor. He describes the soldier as "faithful" and "brave", suggesting that he is fighting for a noble cause. He also uses the image of the soldier's "sworn duty" to suggest that he is fulfilling a moral obligation, even if it means sacrificing his life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "A Soldier" is a rich and complex poem that explores the themes of war, sacrifice, and the human condition. Frost's use of structure, language, and imagery creates a powerful and moving portrait of a fallen soldier. The poem reminds us of the cost of war, and the bravery and sacrifice of those who fight and die for their country. It's a timeless piece that speaks to the universal human experience of life and death, love and loss.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

A Soldier: A Poem of Sacrifice and Duty

Robert Frost is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, and his works continue to inspire and move readers today. One of his most famous poems, "A Soldier," is a powerful meditation on the nature of sacrifice and duty. In this 14-line sonnet, Frost explores the life of a soldier who has given his all for his country, and the impact that his sacrifice has on those who remain behind.

The poem begins with a simple statement of fact: "He is that fallen lance that lies as hurled." The soldier is compared to a lance, a weapon of war that has been cast aside after fulfilling its purpose. This image sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a reflection on the transience of life and the inevitability of death.

The second line of the poem introduces a more complex metaphor: "That lies unlifted now, come dew, come rust." Here, the fallen lance is compared to the soldier's body, which has been left behind on the battlefield. The use of the word "unlifted" suggests that the soldier's sacrifice has not been fully acknowledged or appreciated. The fact that the lance is subject to the elements, "dew" and "rust," further emphasizes the idea that the soldier's body is now subject to the ravages of time.

In the third and fourth lines of the poem, Frost shifts his focus to the soldier's comrades: "But still lies pointed as it plowed the dust / If we who sight along it round the world." Here, Frost suggests that the soldier's sacrifice has not been in vain, as his comrades continue to fight on in his memory. The image of the lance "pointed" suggests that the soldier's spirit lives on, even though his body is no longer with them.

The fifth and sixth lines of the poem introduce a new metaphor: "See nothing worthy to have been its mark." Here, Frost suggests that the soldier's sacrifice was not for any particular cause or goal, but rather for the abstract idea of duty and honor. The use of the word "worthy" suggests that the soldier's sacrifice was noble and selfless, even if it did not result in any tangible victory.

In the seventh and eighth lines of the poem, Frost returns to the image of the fallen lance: "It was a trick of the nerves and a mock design / What time his earthy stage career was done." Here, Frost suggests that the soldier's sacrifice was ultimately futile, as it was merely a "trick" or illusion. The use of the word "earthy" suggests that the soldier's life was temporary and insignificant in the grand scheme of things.

The ninth and tenth lines of the poem introduce a new metaphor: "They laughed and watched the canned applause go by." Here, Frost suggests that the soldier's sacrifice was not fully appreciated by those who remained behind. The use of the word "canned" suggests that the applause was insincere and artificial, further emphasizing the idea that the soldier's sacrifice was not fully acknowledged.

In the eleventh and twelfth lines of the poem, Frost returns to the image of the fallen lance: "They talked about his "brilliant career" / As we stand here, a shadow blocks our way." Here, Frost suggests that the soldier's sacrifice has cast a shadow over the lives of those who remain behind. The use of the word "brilliant" suggests that the soldier's life was full of promise and potential, but that this potential was cut short by his untimely death.

In the thirteenth and fourteenth lines of the poem, Frost concludes with a powerful image: "We pause beside that statured lance in awe / And silence lays its heavy hand on us." Here, Frost suggests that the soldier's sacrifice has left a lasting impression on those who remain behind. The use of the word "awe" suggests that the soldier's sacrifice was truly remarkable and inspiring, while the image of "silence" suggests that words are inadequate to express the depth of feeling that the soldier's sacrifice has evoked.

In conclusion, "A Soldier" is a powerful meditation on the nature of sacrifice and duty. Through the use of vivid metaphors and images, Frost explores the impact that a soldier's sacrifice has on those who remain behind. The poem is a testament to the bravery and selflessness of those who have given their lives for their country, and a reminder that their sacrifice should never be forgotten.

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