'A Casualty' by Robert Service
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That boy I took in the car last night,
With the body that awfully sagged away,
And the lips blood-crisped, and the eyes flame-bright,
And the poor hands folded and cold as clay --
Oh, I've thought and I've thought of him all the day.
For the weary old doctor says to me:
"He'll only last for an hour or so.
Both of his legs below the knee
Blown off by a bomb. . . . So, lad, go slow,
And please remember, he doesn't know."
So I tried to drive with never a jar;
And there was I cursing the road like mad,
When I hears a ghost of a voice from the car:
"Tell me, old chap, have I `copped it' bad?"
So I answers "No," and he says, "I'm glad."
"Glad," says he, "for at twenty-two
Life's so splendid, I hate to go.
There's so much good that a chap might do,
And I've fought from the start and I've suffered so.
'Twould be hard to get knocked out now, you know."
"Forget it," says I; then I drove awhile,
And I passed him a cheery word or two;
But he didn't answer for many a mile,
So just as the hospital hove in view,
Says I: "Is there nothing that I can do?"
Then he opens his eyes and he smiles at me;
And he takes my hand in his trembling hold;
"Thank you -- you're far too kind," says he:
"I'm awfully comfy -- stay . . . let's see:
I fancy my blanket's come unrolled --
My feet, please wrap 'em -- they're cold . . . they're cold."
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Casualty by Robert Service: A Masterpiece of War Poetry
As a literary masterpiece, A Casualty by Robert Service has stood the test of time as a vivid portrayal of the devastating effects of war on the human psyche. Written in the aftermath of the First World War, Service’s poem captures the essence of the futility and senselessness of war, and the despair that ensues among the survivors.
Poem Analysis
The poem is a tragic narrative of a soldier who has survived a battle but has lost his sanity in the process. The soldier is described as a “ghostly figure” who has lost touch with reality and is wandering aimlessly on the battlefield. The opening lines of the poem set the somber tone:
“I saw him suddenly-
he stood by a wall of stone,
And he leaned against it,
And looked at me unknown.”
The soldier is portrayed as a lost soul, who has no sense of identity or purpose. He is a casualty of war, a victim of the horrors of battle. The poet uses vivid imagery to bring the scene to life:
“His face was pale and ghastly,
His eyes were dim and wide,
And his lips were twisted strangely,
As if he laughed or cried.”
The soldier’s physical appearance reflects the toll that war has taken on his mind and body. The poet’s use of contrasting images of laughter and tears adds to the eerie atmosphere of the scene.
The second stanza of the poem further reinforces the soldier’s mental state:
“He looked at me so queerly,
And he muttered in his throat;
But what he said I did not hear,
For I passed him by remote.”
The soldier’s muttering suggests that he is speaking to himself, lost in his own world of madness. The poet’s use of the word “remote” suggests a sense of detachment and distance, as if the soldier is in a different reality altogether.
The final stanza of the poem brings the tragic narrative to a close:
“And as I stumbled past him,
He raised his hand to me,
And then I saw he had no hand-
It was blasted off at the knee.”
The image of the soldier’s missing hand is symbolic of the physical and emotional toll of war. The fact that he raises his hand to the narrator suggests a final act of desperation to seek help, but it is too late.
Interpretation
As a war poet, Robert Service was known for his ability to capture the raw emotions of soldiers and the impact of war on their psyche. A Casualty is a prime example of his talent. The poem is a powerful commentary on the horrors of war and the toll it takes on those who fight it.
The soldier’s ghostly appearance and detached demeanor suggest a sense of dissociation from reality. The fact that he mutters to himself and is lost in his own world of madness is a stark reminder of the trauma that soldiers experience in war. The soldier’s missing hand is symbolic of the physical and emotional trauma that war inflicts on soldiers.
The poem also reflects the futility of war. The soldier’s state of mind suggests that he has lost faith in the cause for which he was fighting. He is a casualty of a war that has no real winners or losers, only victims.
The poem’s somber tone and bleak imagery are a reflection of the poet’s own experiences as a war correspondent during World War I. Service witnessed firsthand the devastation of war and the toll it took on soldiers. A Casualty is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought in war and the tragic consequences of conflict.
Conclusion
In conclusion, A Casualty by Robert Service is a masterpiece of war poetry. The poem’s vivid imagery and haunting narrative capture the raw emotions of soldiers and the impact of war on their psyche. The poet’s use of symbolism and contrasting imagery is a powerful reminder of the futility of war and the toll it takes on those who fight it. As a commentary on the horrors of war, A Casualty is a reminder that the true cost of conflict is often paid by those who fight it.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Casualty: A Poem of War and Loss
Robert Service’s poem “A Casualty” is a haunting and powerful depiction of the horrors of war and the toll it takes on those who fight it. Written during World War I, the poem captures the sense of loss and despair that permeated the era, as well as the bravery and sacrifice of those who served.
The poem begins with a vivid description of a soldier lying wounded on the battlefield, his body torn apart by shrapnel. The imagery is graphic and visceral, with Service describing the soldier’s “guts and gore” and “shattered thigh”. The scene is one of chaos and destruction, with the soldier’s comrades rushing to his aid amidst the smoke and gunfire.
Despite the horror of the situation, however, there is a sense of stoicism and bravery in the soldier’s response. He tells his comrades not to worry about him, that he’s “all right”, even as he lies dying. There is a sense of resignation in his words, a recognition that his fate is sealed and that there is nothing more to be done.
The poem then shifts to a more reflective tone, as Service considers the broader implications of the soldier’s death. He asks whether the soldier’s sacrifice was worth it, whether the war was truly necessary, and whether the world will ever be free of conflict. These are weighty questions, and Service doesn’t offer any easy answers. Instead, he leaves the reader to ponder the meaning of the soldier’s death and the larger context in which it occurred.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of language. Service’s writing is spare and direct, with no wasted words or flowery language. He uses simple, monosyllabic words to convey the brutality of war and the starkness of the soldier’s situation. There is a sense of urgency and immediacy in his writing, as if he is trying to capture the moment before it slips away.
At the same time, however, there is a sense of lyricism and beauty in the poem. Service’s use of rhyme and meter gives the poem a musical quality, even as it describes the horrors of war. There is a sense of poetry in the soldier’s sacrifice, a recognition that even in the midst of death and destruction, there is something noble and heroic about those who fight for their country.
The poem also raises important questions about the nature of war and its impact on those who fight it. Service suggests that war is a senseless and brutal endeavor, one that takes a heavy toll on those who participate. He describes the soldier’s wounds in graphic detail, highlighting the physical and emotional trauma that war inflicts. At the same time, however, he also acknowledges the bravery and sacrifice of those who serve, suggesting that there is something noble and heroic about their willingness to put themselves in harm’s way.
Ultimately, “A Casualty” is a powerful and moving poem that captures the sense of loss and despair that characterized World War I. It is a reminder of the human cost of war, and a tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives in service to their country. As we continue to grapple with the legacy of war and conflict in our own time, Service’s poem remains a poignant and relevant reminder of the toll that violence and destruction can take on the human spirit.
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