"Men who March Away". (Song of the Soldiers)
The poem explores the motivations and emotions of soldiers as they prepare to leave for battle. It begins with a reflection on the inner strength and conviction of these men, who march away before dawn, leaving behind their homes and loved ones. The soldiers are portrayed as resolute, driven by a sense of duty and a belief in the righteousness of their cause. The speaker addresses a friend who observes their departure with skepticism, questioning whether their actions are merely foolish or misguided. Despite this doubt, the soldiers maintain clarity about their purpose, recognizing the necessity of their sacrifice for the greater good of their country. They reject the notion that their decision is a trivial or blind act, asserting that they are fully aware of the implications of their choice. The poem emphasizes themes of honor, bravery, and the moral conviction that guides the soldiers. They believe in the inevitability of justice and victory, viewing their participation in the conflict as a noble endeavor. The repetition of the phrase "faith and fire" underscores their passionate commitment to the cause, reinforcing the idea that their resolve is fueled by a deep-seated belief in the importance of their mission. As they march away, the soldiers embody a mix of determination and sorrow, aware of the personal sacrifices they are making. The imagery of the barn-cocks signaling the dawn serves as a poignant reminder of the life they are leaving behind, contrasting the tranquility of home with the chaos of war. Ultimately, the poem captures the complex emotions of those who go to fight, highlighting their courage and the weight of their choices in the face of uncertainty.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, War Literature, Patriotic Literature · 308 words
First lines
WHAT of the faith and fire within us / Men who march away / Ere the barn-cocks say / Night is growing gray, / Leaving all that here can win us; / What of the faith and fire within us / Men who march away?
Is it a purblind prank, O think you, / Friend with the musing eye, / Who watch us stepping by / With doubt and dolorous sigh? / Can much pondering so hoodwink you! / Is it a purblind prank, O think you, / Friend with the musing eye?
What this Textopian page supports
"Men who March Away". (Song of the Soldiers) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Thomas Hardy, dated 1917 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Thomas Hardy
- Date: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, War Literature, Patriotic Literature, Lyric Poetry, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 308 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for "Men who March Away". (Song of the Soldiers) by Thomas Hardy
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Similar titles
- Ten Thousand Men A Day by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Men Who March Away by Thomas Hardy
- Those Others by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- A Song Of The Guns by Gilbert Frankau
- The Guards Came Through by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- The Soldiers Song by Alan Monaghan
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of war and soldiering.
- War Literature — The poem addresses the experiences and emotions of soldiers marching to war, reflecting on duty and sacrifice.
- Patriotic Literature — The text conveys a sense of national duty and pride, emphasizing the soldiers' commitment to their country.
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal feelings and thoughts of the soldiers, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Tags
war · soldiers · marching · patriotism · sacrifice · military · conflict · courage · loss · nationalism · heroism · futility