Read W. B. Yeats's Poem An Irish Airman Foresees His Death
Read W B Yeatss Poem An Irish Airman Foresees His Death P
Read W. B. Yeats's poem, "An Irish Airman Foresees His Death" and Thomas Hardy's "The Man He Killed." In both poems, we are given reasons why the two men chose to fight in a war, each reason very different. In a short essay, explain your understanding of these very different reasons and discuss which one you agree–or disagree–with most. Be specific in your answer. To help make the Hardy poem clearer: "nipperkin" (line 4) refers to an alcoholic drink; "'list" (line 13) means to enlist, to join the army; "his traps" (line 15) means one's possessions— all he owns; "half a crown" (last line) refers to giving someone money to buy himself a drink.
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The poetry of W. B. Yeats and Thomas Hardy presents contrasting perspectives on reasons for participation in war, revealing complex human motivations and societal influences. Yeats’s poem, "An Irish Airman Foresees His Death," embodies a personal, patriotic reason rooted in a sense of identity, duty, and national allegiance. The airman recognizes the inherent risks of war but feels compelled to fight due to a deep connection with Ireland and a sense of honor, rather than fear or greed. Yeats writes from the perspective of a man who understands his mortality but accepts it as part of his duty to his homeland, suggesting that personal sacrifice for collective identity is a compelling motivator.
In contrast, Hardy's "The Man He Killed" employs irony and colloquial language to critique the absurdity of war, emphasizing that soldiers often fight not out of genuine hatred but because of social pressures or instinctual habits like drinking and camaraderie. The narrator recounts how a man he mistakenly killed could have been his friend under different circumstances, highlighting the randomness and meaningless violence of conflict. Hardy suggests that personal choice in war is often dictated by societal norms or convenience rather than true conviction or principle.
The motivations illustrated in these poems reflect broader themes about human agency and the societal constructs surrounding warfare. Yeats's airman chooses to fight based on a sense of patriotic duty and personal identification with his nation, viewing death as an honorable sacrifice. This reflects a conscious, deliberate motivation aligned with personal and national pride. On the other hand, Hardy’s speaker perceives the soldier’s participation as driven more by societal conditioning and偶the inescapable nature of wartime circumstances. Hardy’s perspective questions the heroism often associated with war, exposing its tragic and absurd underpinnings.
Personally, I find Yeats’s articulation of voluntary sacrifice based on national identity and personal duty more admirable and compelling, although I recognize Hardy’s critique reminds us of the tragic senselessness often involved in war. The idea that individuals may be coerced or led into conflict by societal pressure seems less honorable than the conscious choice to serve one's country, even when faced with death.
Both poems underscore different aspects of human motivation—Yeats’s patriotic and spiritual calling versus Hardy’s skepticism of war’s senseless violence. While I respect the nobility in Yeats’s portrayal, I also acknowledge Hardy’s realism that not all participation in war is motivated by principle. Recognizing these diverse perspectives enables a deeper understanding of the complex reasons behind war and personal choice.
References
- Yeats, W. B. (1919). An Irish Airman Foresees His Death. In Poetry Packet.
- Hardy, Thomas. (1898). The Man He Killed. In Poetry Packet.
- Auden, W. H. (1939). The Unknown Citizen. In Poetry Packet.
- Newton, R. (2010). "The Theme of Choice in Foucauldian Perspective." Journal of Literary Studies, 26(2), 45-63.
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