Soldier, Soldier by Rudyard Kipling
The poem explores themes of love, loss, and the harsh realities of war through a dialogue between a soldier and a grieving lover. The lover inquires about their true love, who has gone to war. The soldier, fresh from battle, delivers grim news, suggesting that the lover should seek a new love instead of clinging to the past. As the dialogue progresses, the soldier recounts the fate of the true love, emphasizing the inevitability of death in war. Each response from the soldier reinforces the idea that the true love is lost, urging the lover to move on. The repetition of phrases highlights the emotional weight of the situation, contrasting the lover's hope with the soldier's stark reality. The poem culminates in a poignant acceptance of loss, where the lover realizes the truth of their situation. The soldier's final words suggest that when one has lost the ability to feel pain, they should consider the soldier as a new love. This shift from despair to a potential new beginning encapsulates the cycle of love and loss, underscoring the impact of war on personal relationships. The work ultimately reflects on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, War Literature, Romanticism · 570 words
First lines
"Soldier, soldier come from the wars, Why don't you march with my true love? " "We're fresh from off the ship an' 'e's maybe give the slip, An' you'd best go look for a new love. " New love! True love! Best go look for a new love, The dead they cannot rise, an' you'd better dry your eyes, An' you'd best go look for a new love.
"Soldier, soldier come from the wars, What did you see o' my true love? " "I seed 'im serve the Queen in a suit o' rifle-green, An' you'd best go look for a new love."
What this Textopian page supports
Soldier, Soldier is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1896 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, War Literature, Romanticism, Ballad, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 570 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- War Literature — The themes revolve around the impact of war on love and loss, reflecting soldiers' experiences.
- Romanticism — The exploration of love, loss, and emotional depth aligns with romantic themes.
- Ballad — The narrative style and structure resemble traditional ballads, telling a story through song.
Tags
war · loss · love · grief · soldier · battle · heartbreak · sacrifice · death · memory · loyalty · mourning