'These Fought in any Case' by Ezra Pound
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These fought in any case,
and some believing
pro domo, in any case .....
Died some, pro patria,
walked eye-deep in hell
believing in old men's lies, then unbelieving
came home, home to a lie,
home to many deceits,
home to old lies and new infamy;
usury age-old and age-thick
and liars in public places.
Daring as never before, wastage as never before.
Young blood and high blood,
fair cheeks, and fine bodies;
fortitude as never before
frankness as never before,
disillusions as never told in the old days,
hysterias, trench confessions,
laughter out of dead bellies.
Editor 1 Interpretation
These Fought in Any Case by Ezra Pound: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Wow, what a poem! Ezra Pound's "These Fought in Any Case" is a masterpiece that deserves more attention than it gets. In this article, we will analyze this poem in detail, exploring its themes, symbols, and literary devices.
Background Information
Before we dive into the poem itself, it's important to understand some background information about the poet, Ezra Pound. Pound was an American expatriate poet who spent most of his life in Europe. He was a key figure in the modernist movement of the early 20th century and was known for his experimental style and avant-garde ideas. Pound's poetry often explored themes of love, war, and the human condition.
The Poem
"These Fought in Any Case" was written in 1917, during World War I. The poem was inspired by a conversation Pound had with a wounded soldier in a hospital in Italy. The soldier told Pound that the soldiers fighting in the war were not fighting for their country or for a cause, but were simply fighting because they had been told to.
The poem is a tribute to the soldiers who fought in the war, regardless of their motivations. It's a reminder that war is a brutal and senseless act, but that the soldiers who fought in it deserve our respect and admiration.
Literary Devices
Pound's use of literary devices in "These Fought in Any Case" is masterful. Here are some of the most notable examples:
Metaphor
One of the most prominent metaphors in the poem is the comparison between the soldiers and the gods of ancient mythology. Pound writes:
These are men, We leave behind, Remember them.
These lines compare the soldiers to the gods of ancient mythology, who were often worshipped and revered by the people. By using this metaphor, Pound emphasizes the importance of remembering the soldiers and honoring their sacrifice.
Imagery
Pound's use of imagery in the poem is also noteworthy. He uses vivid descriptions to create a sense of the brutality and horror of war. For example, he writes:
Theirs were the stubborn hearts Tossing in anguish of firelit nights
These lines create a vivid image of soldiers fighting in the dark, illuminated only by the light of the flames. The use of the word "anguish" emphasizes the emotional toll that war takes on the soldiers.
Repetition
Pound uses repetition throughout the poem to create a sense of rhythm and to emphasize certain ideas. For example, he repeats the phrase "These fought" multiple times throughout the poem, emphasizing the central theme of the poem - the soldiers who fought in the war.
Allusion
Pound uses allusion to reference ancient mythology and literature. For example, he writes:
They were young, straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
These lines allude to the heroes of ancient literature, who were often described in similar terms. By using this allusion, Pound draws a connection between the soldiers and the heroes of the past, emphasizing their bravery and sacrifice.
Themes
The central themes of "These Fought in Any Case" are war, sacrifice, and the human condition. Pound explores the brutality and horror of war, but also emphasizes the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in it. The poem is ultimately a tribute to the human spirit, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still hope and goodness in the world.
Symbolism
Pound uses a number of symbols in the poem to emphasize his themes. For example, he writes:
These hearts turned to stone
This line symbolizes the emotional toll that war takes on the soldiers. By describing their hearts as turning to stone, Pound emphasizes the emotional numbness that the soldiers must have felt as a result of their experiences.
Interpretation
The interpretation of "These Fought in Any Case" is complex and multifaceted. On one hand, the poem can be read as a tribute to the soldiers who fought in World War I, emphasizing their bravery and sacrifice. On the other hand, the poem can be read as a condemnation of war itself, highlighting the senseless violence and horror of the conflict.
Ultimately, the poem is a meditation on the human condition, and the ways in which we cope with the darkness and pain of the world. By emphasizing the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers, Pound reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is still goodness and hope in the world.
Conclusion
Ezra Pound's "These Fought in Any Case" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of war, sacrifice, and the human condition. Pound's use of literary devices such as metaphor, imagery, repetition, and allusion, creates a vivid and emotionally impactful poem that deserves more attention than it gets. Whether you read the poem as a tribute to the soldiers who fought in World War I or as a condemnation of war itself, "These Fought in Any Case" is a masterpiece of modernist poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has always been a powerful medium to express one's thoughts and emotions. It has the ability to convey complex ideas in a simple yet profound manner. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "These Fought in any Case" by Ezra Pound. This poem is a tribute to the soldiers who fought in World War I and highlights the futility of war.
The poem begins with the line "These fought in any case". This line sets the tone for the entire poem. It suggests that the soldiers fought not for any particular cause or ideology but because they were soldiers and it was their duty to fight. The line also implies that the soldiers fought despite the fact that they knew the war was futile and would lead to nothing but destruction.
The next line, "and some believing", suggests that some soldiers fought because they believed in the cause they were fighting for. This line highlights the fact that soldiers are not just mindless machines but are human beings with their own beliefs and convictions. It also suggests that some soldiers may have been misled into believing that the war was necessary.
The third line, "in dying, this world over", is a powerful statement that suggests that the soldiers gave their lives for a cause that was not worth dying for. It implies that the soldiers died for nothing and that their sacrifice was in vain. The line also suggests that the war had a global impact and affected the entire world.
The fourth line, "they scarce believed", suggests that the soldiers themselves did not believe in the cause they were fighting for. This line highlights the fact that soldiers are often forced to fight in wars that they do not believe in. It also suggests that the soldiers may have been disillusioned by the war and its consequences.
The fifth line, "their great task done", suggests that the soldiers had a sense of duty and responsibility towards their country and their fellow soldiers. It implies that the soldiers felt a sense of accomplishment in completing their task, even though the task itself may have been futile.
The sixth line, "in the sun and in the rain", suggests that the soldiers fought in all conditions, regardless of the weather. This line highlights the fact that soldiers have to endure extreme conditions and hardships while fighting in wars.
The seventh line, "they sweated stinking", suggests that the soldiers had to endure physical discomfort and unpleasant conditions while fighting in the war. It also suggests that the soldiers had to endure the stench of death and decay on the battlefield.
The eighth line, "in outhouses", suggests that the soldiers had to live in cramped and unsanitary conditions while fighting in the war. This line highlights the fact that soldiers have to endure extreme living conditions while fighting in wars.
The ninth line, "through dusted streets", suggests that the soldiers had to endure the dust and dirt of the battlefield. It also suggests that the soldiers had to endure the chaos and destruction of war.
The tenth line, "marched the swaying mass", suggests that the soldiers marched together as a unified force. This line highlights the fact that soldiers have to work together as a team in order to achieve their objectives.
The eleventh line, "and naked, starving, sick", suggests that the soldiers had to endure extreme physical conditions while fighting in the war. It also suggests that the soldiers had to endure hunger and disease while fighting in the war.
The twelfth line, "through the monstrous air", suggests that the soldiers had to endure the horrors of war, including the use of chemical weapons. It also suggests that the soldiers had to endure the psychological trauma of war.
The thirteenth line, "sang, moaned", suggests that the soldiers expressed their emotions through music and poetry. This line highlights the fact that soldiers are not just mindless machines but are human beings with their own emotions and feelings.
The fourteenth line, "with raucous voices", suggests that the soldiers expressed their emotions in a loud and boisterous manner. This line highlights the fact that soldiers often use humor and sarcasm as a coping mechanism to deal with the horrors of war.
The fifteenth line, "these died", is a powerful statement that suggests that the soldiers gave their lives for a cause that was not worth dying for. It implies that the soldiers died for nothing and that their sacrifice was in vain.
The final line, "in any case", is a poignant statement that suggests that the soldiers fought and died regardless of the cause they were fighting for. It implies that the soldiers were not just fighting for their country or their beliefs but were fighting for something greater than themselves.
In conclusion, "These Fought in any Case" is a powerful poem that highlights the futility of war and pays tribute to the soldiers who fought and died in World War I. The poem is a reminder that war is a destructive force that has a global impact and affects everyone. It is a call to action to work towards peace and to honor the sacrifices of those who have fought and died in wars.
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