Corporal Stare by Robert Graves

Name: Corporal Stare
Author: Robert Graves

The narrative unfolds in a war-torn setting, where a group of soldiers, weary from the front lines, gather for a lavish dinner in Bethune. The meal is a celebration of camaraderie, filled with laughter, songs, and a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of war. The soldiers indulge in a feast, relishing the food and each other's company, momentarily escaping the grim realities of their environment. As they enjoy their evening, a ghostly figure appears—Corporal Stare, who had been reported dead in battle. His sudden and unexpected presence shocks the soldiers, who initially greet him with joy and disbelief. Stare, adorned with his military insignia, salutes and grins before vanishing as quickly as he appeared, leaving the men in a state of confusion and astonishment. The encounter serves as a poignant reminder of the thin line between life and death in wartime, highlighting the psychological impact of loss and the haunting memories of fallen comrades. The soldiers are left grappling with the surreal experience, reflecting on the fragility of their existence and the specter of death that looms over them. The narrative captures the blend of humor and horror that characterizes the soldiers' lives, illustrating how they cope with the trauma of war through moments of levity, even in the face of the supernatural.

By Robert Graves · First published 1929 · Genre: War Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Narrative Poetry · 330 words

First lines

Back from the line one night in June, I gave a dinner at Bethune -- Seven courses, the most gorgeous meal Money could buy or batman steal. Five hungry lads welcomed the fish With shouts that nearly cracked the dish; Asparagus came with tender tops, Strawberries in cream, and mutton chops. Said Jenkins, as my hand he shook, "They'll put this in the history book. " We bawled Church anthems _in choro_ Of Bethlehem and Hermon snow, With drinking songs, a jolly sound To help the good red Pommard round. Stories and laughter interspersed, We drowned a long La Bassee thirst -- Trenches in June make throats damned dry. Then through the window suddenly, Badge, stripes and medals all complete, We saw him swagger up the street, Just like a live man -- Corporal Stare! Stare! Killed last May at Festubert.

What this Textopian page supports

Corporal Stare is listed on Textopian as a short story by Robert Graves, dated 1929 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Robert Graves
Date: 1929 CE
Language: English
Genres: War Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Narrative Poetry, Modernist Poetry, Elegy
Length: 330 words
Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

War Poetry — The poem reflects on the experiences of soldiers during wartime, capturing the themes of camaraderie, loss, and the surreal nature of death in battle.
Lyric Poetry — The poem employs personal expression and emotional depth, focusing on the feelings of the speaker and the impact of the ghostly appearance of Corporal Stare.
Narrative Poetry — The poem tells a story with a clear sequence of events, detailing a dinner among soldiers and the unexpected appearance of a deceased comrade.
Modernist Poetry — The poem reflects modernist themes through its exploration of disillusionment and the fragmented nature of reality during and after war.