How does the use of the language of both poets, show their perception of war in ‘Bayonet Charge’ and in ‘Who’s for the game’
- The titles of the poems
The titles of the poems are the first indicators that the poets have different perception of war. Hughes indicates that war is a matter of life and death because a bayonet is used in hand to hand combats; and as such, one has to be close to the opponent which puts life at more risk. On the other hand, it is clear that Pope views war as a sport due to the title of the poem.
- Symbolism
In the third stanza, Hughes uses the hare to symbolize other soldiers in the war. The injured hare indicates that war is dangerous, and it requires bravery because although the hare is injured, it continues to leap. Pope uses the word game to express that war is more of a sport. According to Pope, war is a game that one should not miss out.
- Imagery
In the first stanza, Hughes describes the state of the soldier. From the language used, one can get a clear image of the devastating state of the soldier. Therefore, Hughes choice of descriptive words shows the dangers of war. Pope, on the other hand, uses descriptive writing to show that the battlefield is like a sporting arena.
- Personification
Hughes gives bullets the characteristics of human beings. The bullets smack the belly out of air. As such, war is dangerous and could lead to death. On the other hand, Pope personifies a country which is calling out to soldiers to fight. Therefore, according to Pope, war is more of commitment than compliance.
- Repetition
Both poets use repetition to emphasize on their perception of conflict. Hughes repeats the word running to indicate the intensity of war; Pope repeats the word game to show the fun in war.
- Simile
Hughes uses many analogies in the poem. The first stanza says the soldier was sweating like molten iron. The comparison to molten iron indicates the physical pressure the soldier faced. For a person to sweat like molten iron, he has to be exhausted.
- Metaphor
Pope uses metaphorical language in the poem. The word picnic is used in the poem to suggest that the war will be more of a game than a picnic. Unlike a picnic, a war is competitive tedious.
- Rhetorical questions
Pope uses rhetorical questions in the poem. The rhetorical questions are meant to provoke the reader to think of battle like a gaming activity. By using so many questions, Pope is trying to convince his audience that war should be considered as a sport.
- Suspense
Hughes uses suspense to end the poem. It is not clear whether the soldier survived the war or not. As such, all participants of war are not assured of their survival on the battlefield.
- Mood
Pope uses words that establish the atmosphere of war as a sporting and competitive activity. The use of a picnic creates the mood that battlefield is not dangerous as it sounds. However, Hughes uses language that creates the feeling of war as dangerous and life-threatening.
In conclusion, the two poets, Hughes and Pope, have different perceptions of war. According to the choice of language in both poems, Hughes thinks of war as dangerous whereas Pope thinks of war as a gaming activity. Therefore, language can be used to bring out different meanings and perceptions.