|
Comment 2 of 2, added on November 11th, 2009 at 3:49 PM.
Much of Houseman's poetry is a condemnation of pointless death in wars to defend a society that has little or no regard for the soldiers that defend it.
Contrast that to Epitaph on an Army of Mercenaries, where he recognizes the pivotal role of the BEF in 1914, who "saved the sum of things for pay", the last being his ironic comment on the Kaiser's labelling the BEF as mercenaries. I think it is fair to conclude that most wars are better avoided but some are necessary, sometimes there must be those who will hold the sky suspended and keep our foundations intact. Imagine if nobody had fought Hitler.
Daniel Sichel from United States
Comment 1 of 2, added on March 17th, 2006 at 8:53 AM.
As my teenage son prepares to join the British Army, I ask myself is there ever a need for war! My Grandfather died in the second world war, but a lad himself, neither my dad or myself knew him. Please God look after my son xx
Jo Elliott from United Kingdom
|
Much of Houseman's poetry is a condemnation of pointless death in wars to defend a society that has little or no regard for the soldiers that defend it.
Contrast that to Epitaph on an Army of Mercenaries, where he recognizes the pivotal role of the BEF in 1914, who "saved the sum of things for pay", the last being his ironic comment on the Kaiser's labelling the BEF as mercenaries. I think it is fair to conclude that most wars are better avoided but some are necessary, sometimes there must be those who will hold the sky suspended and keep our foundations intact. Imagine if nobody had fought Hitler.
Daniel Sichel from United States