Men who March Away by Thomas Hardy
The work explores the themes of duty, sacrifice, and the psychological complexities of soldiers as they prepare to leave for war. It begins with a song that captures the soldiers' resolve and camaraderie, emphasizing their belief in the righteousness of their cause. The soldiers express a mix of confidence and awareness of the dangers they face, acknowledging the potential for loss and the gravity of their mission. The narrative delves into the internal struggles of the men, contrasting their fervent patriotism with the doubts of onlookers who question the wisdom of their actions. The soldiers are portrayed as steadfast, driven by a sense of obligation to their country, even as they confront the reality of what lies ahead. The work highlights the tension between idealism and the harsh truths of warfare, illustrating how the soldiers reconcile their fears with a commitment to fight for a greater good. As the story unfolds, the emotional weight of leaving loved ones behind is palpable. The soldiers grapple with their motivations, reflecting on the societal expectations that compel them to march into uncertainty. The camaraderie among the men serves as a source of strength, reinforcing their collective resolve despite the looming specter of death and destruction. The piece ultimately serves as a poignant commentary on the nature of war, exploring the interplay between valor and vulnerability. It captures the essence of the soldiers' experience, portraying them as both heroic and human, caught in the throes of a conflict that tests their beliefs and bonds. The work concludes with a sense of inevitability, as the soldiers march away, embodying the complexities of duty, honor, and the sacrifices made in the name of patriotism.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, War Literature, Patriotic Literature · 321 words
First lines
(SONG OF THE SOLDIERS)
WHAT of the faith and fire within us / Men who march away / Ere the barn-cocks say / Night is growing gray, / To hazards whence no tears can win us; / What of the faith and fire within us / Men who march away?
What this Textopian page supports
Men who March Away 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, Romanticism
- Length: 321 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Men who March Away by Thomas Hardy
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Similar titles
- A Song Of The Guns by Gilbert Frankau
- The Vortex August 1914 by Rudyard Kipling
- After The Fair by Thomas Hardy
- Veterans Of The Old Guard by Theophile Gautier
- Ten Thousand Men A Day by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Blue And Gold by Frederic Manning
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured as a poem, utilizing rhythm and meter to convey emotions and themes.
- War Literature — The poem addresses themes of soldiers marching to war, reflecting on duty, sacrifice, and the nature of conflict.
- Patriotic Literature — The text expresses a sense of national duty and pride, emphasizing the soldiers' commitment to their country.
- Lyric Poetry — The poem conveys personal feelings and thoughts of the soldiers, focusing on their internal struggles and beliefs.
Tags
war · military · marching · patriotism · loss · sacrifice · futility · courage · grief · identity · conflict · brotherhood