'Bless God, he went as soldiers' by Emily Dickinson

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Bless God, he went as soldiers,
His musket on his breast-
Grant God, he charge the bravest
Of all the martial blest!Please God, might I behold him
In epauletted white-
I should not fear the foe then-
I should not fear the fight!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Bless God, He Went as Soldiers: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

By: Emily Dickinson

Bless God, he went as soldiers, His musket on his breast; Grant, God, he charge the bravest Of all the martial blest.

Please God, might I behold him In epauletted white, I should not fear the foe then, I should not fear the fight.

This poem, "Bless God, He Went As Soldiers," written by Emily Dickinson, is a tribute to the bravery and heroism of soldiers who go to war to fight for their country. The poem is a reflection of Dickinson's appreciation for the soldiers who fight for their country without any fear, and she wishes to see them adorned in their epauletted white uniforms, ready to charge into battle.

The poem is short, with only eight lines of two stanzas, but it captures the essence of the patriotic fervor of the time when it was written. It is a poem that is full of emotion and admiration for the soldiers' selflessness and bravery.

Literary Criticism

The poem begins with the line, "Bless God, he went as soldiers," which sets the tone for the entire poem. The phrase "Bless God" is used to express gratitude and appreciation to God for sending soldiers to fight for their country. The use of the word "he" indicates that the poem is specifically talking about a male soldier.

The second line, "His musket on his breast," describes the soldier carrying his weapon close to his heart, highlighting the significance of the task at hand. The line also serves as a reminder that the soldier who carries the weapon is also carrying a burden of responsibility to defend his country.

In the third line, "Grant, God, he charge the bravest," Dickinson prays to God, asking Him to bless the soldier and give him the courage to charge into battle bravely. The phrase "the bravest" emphasizes the enormity of the task at hand and the courage required to face the enemy.

The second stanza begins with "Please God, might I behold him," expressing the speaker's desire to witness the soldier in his epauletted white uniform. The use of the word "Please" shows the speaker's respect and admiration for the soldier's bravery and heroism.

The fifth line, "In epauletted white," is significant because it describes the soldier's uniform with great detail. The use of the word "epauletted" is indicative of the soldier's rank and status as an officer. The word "white" is essential because it represents purity, which is often associated with the noble intentions of the soldiers.

In the sixth line, "I should not fear the foe then," the speaker expresses confidence in the soldier's abilities to protect and defend his country. The use of the word "then" emphasizes the idea that the soldier in his epauletted white uniform would inspire confidence in the speaker.

The poem ends with the line, "I should not fear the fight." The use of the word "fight" is significant because it represents the battle between good and evil, and emphasizes the soldier's role in this battle. The line also signifies the speaker's faith in the soldier's abilities to overcome the enemy.

Interpretation

The poem, "Bless God, He Went As Soldiers," is a reflection of Dickinson's admiration and respect for the brave soldiers who fought for their country. It is a tribute to their selflessness, courage, and commitment to the cause of protecting their country.

Dickinson's use of the phrase "Bless God" at the beginning of the poem is indicative of her religious beliefs. She was known to be a deeply religious person and often used religious imagery in her poems. The poem is not only a tribute to the soldiers but also a prayer to God to bless them and give them the courage to fight bravely.

The poem's use of language is significant in creating a patriotic tone. The use of words like "muskets," "charge," and "fight" are all indicative of the language used during the time of war. Dickinson's use of the word "epauletted" is also significant because it represents the soldier's rank and status, which was highly valued during the time of war.

The poem's last line, "I should not fear the fight," highlights the speaker's faith in the soldier's abilities. The line shows the confidence that the speaker has in the soldier's ability to protect and defend the country.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Bless God, He Went As Soldiers" is a tribute to the brave soldiers who fought for their country. Dickinson's use of language and imagery creates a patriotic tone that highlights the soldier's bravery, selflessness, and commitment to the cause. The use of religious imagery and language reflects Dickinson's deep religious beliefs and her faith in God's protection. The poem is a reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers who fought to protect their country and the importance of their role in defending their nation.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Bless God, he went as soldiers is a classic poem written by Emily Dickinson. This poem is a tribute to the soldiers who fought in the Civil War. It is a powerful and emotional piece that captures the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought for their country.

The poem begins with the line "Bless God, he went as soldiers," which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is expressing gratitude for the soldiers who went to war, acknowledging the bravery and courage it took to do so. The use of the word "bless" is significant because it suggests that the soldiers were doing God's work by fighting for their country.

The next line, "His musket on his breast," paints a vivid picture of a soldier ready for battle. The musket, a type of firearm used in the 19th century, was a symbol of the soldier's readiness to fight. The fact that it is on his breast suggests that the soldier is proud of his weapon and ready to use it to defend his country.

The third line, "The flag of death's black minstrel," is a powerful metaphor for the flag that the soldiers carried into battle. The flag, which was often black with a skull and crossbones, was a symbol of death and destruction. The use of the word "minstrel" suggests that the flag was a musical instrument, which adds to the idea that it was a powerful symbol that inspired fear in the enemy.

The fourth line, "His face was toward the dawn," is a poignant image of a soldier facing the future with hope and determination. The dawn is a symbol of new beginnings and the soldier's face towards it suggests that he is looking forward to a better future, even in the midst of war.

The fifth line, "He knelt upon the sod," is a reference to the soldier's faith. The sod, or earth, is a symbol of the soldier's connection to the land and his belief in God. The fact that he is kneeling suggests that he is praying for strength and guidance in the midst of battle.

The sixth line, "He never spoke a word," is a powerful image of the soldier's stoicism and bravery. The fact that he never spoke a word suggests that he was focused on his mission and willing to do whatever it took to defend his country.

The seventh line, "He looked so brave a deed," is a tribute to the soldier's bravery and courage. The fact that he looked brave suggests that he was willing to face danger and death with courage and determination.

The eighth line, "The sculptor is as he," is a reference to the soldier's immortality. The sculptor, or artist, is able to capture the soldier's bravery and courage in a work of art that will last forever. The fact that the soldier is compared to the artist suggests that his bravery and sacrifice are worthy of being immortalized in art.

The final line, "Then strangest, strangest, he," is a reference to the soldier's transformation. The fact that he is described as "strangest" suggests that he has undergone a profound change as a result of his experiences in war. The repetition of the word "strangest" emphasizes the soldier's transformation and suggests that it is something that is difficult to understand or explain.

Overall, Bless God, he went as soldiers is a powerful tribute to the soldiers who fought in the Civil War. It captures the bravery, sacrifice, and transformation of those who were willing to risk everything to defend their country. Emily Dickinson's use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and poignant language make this poem a timeless classic that continues to inspire and move readers today.

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