Disregard for Life
Friday, February 26, 2016
So you're probably wondering why this title is called "Disregard for Life" right? Well to set the right tone here, I need you to read this satirical poem, "Based Details", which was written by Siegfried Sassoon.
If I were fierce, and bald, and short of breath,
I'd live with scarlet Majors at the Base,
And speed glum heroes up the line to death.
You'd see me with puffy petulant face,
Guzzling and gulping in the best hotel,
Reading the Roll of Honour. 'Poor young chap,'
I'd say - 'I used to know his father well;
Yes, we've lost heavily in this last scrap.'
And when the war is done and youth stone dead,
I'd toddle safely home and die - in bed.
Through Sassoon's use of the literary device, point of view, readers are given the insight of a soldier's negative view on the government. Within the poem, there's this sarcastic and bitter tone that the soldier possesses as he states that "If I were fierce, and bald, and short of breath, I'd live with scarlet Majors at the Base," and immediately you can tell that he is not proud of the government. Through his experience and his fellow companions, the soldier finally realizes that his commanders are really not doing anything on the field where the war is at. All they're doing is staying behind at the base camp or their office while their men go off to fight, to kill the enemy or be killed themselves. The soldier's point of view further explains in the poem how as they die, the men who actually fight to protect their nation, their employers die "in bed."
From beginning to end, the soldier's point of view remains bitter. He uses humor (which makes the poem satirical) to hide the fact that the government is unfair. They put their men and at times women in dire situations, risking their own lives while they do nothing but eat, sleep and bathe in money. It isn't really mentioned in the poem about money, but it can be inferred when you see how these leaders are "gulping in the best hotel."
Through the use of point of view, the speaker's attitude is well received for we are able to determine how the story wants to be noticed, visualized and captured. We're aware of of the specific tone the speaker uses or mood as well, which is of course bitterness and resentful towards the government.
When I first read this poem, my reaction was anything but amused. In all honestly, it disappointed me but didn't surprise me that the people will feel betrayed by their own country. I'm trying to say this without being too rude, but the government really is selfish. To them, we're replaceable. If you look at the inserted picture, you will see the words "NATION OF SHEEP RULED BY WOLVES OWNED BY PIGS." When I found this picture, it perfectly stated the reality of society and how for a fact, we're nothing but minions in a government run by politicians (who don't know what they're doing) and owned by wealthy tycoons.
That's why I find it scary to live in the United States now, because this country is not really democratic anymore. It's so unfair to the poor and it only benefits the rich who claim they're just doing "business." And if we were to do something, say revolt, it would be called violence. Overall, what I'm trying to get across is that our lives are disregarded whether we're soldiers are not. We're just one of 7 billion. In this world, you're only noticed if you're rich and have power.
4 comments
You’re blog post made so much sense! We defiantly had the same thought process because I thought that the readers tone was bitter. I however, did not think of how the point of view affected that tone and now that I think of it, it made the poem. Hearing the poem told through another soldier’s voice, ultimately creates the Satire because he is making fun of the institution he is a part of. He conveys how distraught he is, as you display through the quotes you shared in your blog. Which I think is an extremely clever way to explain the literary device that you chose. Now thinking of it, if the poem had been told by a higher-ranking officer or even a civilian the correct tone would not have been depicted. I also enjoyed the image at the beginning because it really makes the audicance take a step back and think. I believe your writing is unique and that helps draw people to what you are trying to say. My only suggestion is next time share more of the process you used while reading and analyzing this, did you understand it? And if not then when was your AH-HA moment? Keep reading and writing!
ReplyDeleteReally loved the reading your post! I'm always awed by the way you present your posts because it's always neat, which makes it easy for anyone to follow through. The fact that you had a great understanding the first time you read the poem, shows how much you're growing as a writer and that's just great :) By presenting the poem, readers are allowed to analyze it themselves or just read it which is a great example to writers like me. Although I have already read the poem ‘Base Details’ having an easy access to it on your blog made it easier for me to understand your claims. The picture you presented at the top made your post very creative and the fact that it relates greatly to your claims is pretty amazing. The only advice I would give out is maybe reword or rephrase a couple of sentences. Overall, I really enjoyed reading your post and definitely can't wait for your posts to come, and see the different insights and connections you made from a work of literature to the society we live in, and believe it or not those connections creates a deeper understanding of what the author is trying to convey and how you feel about his/her work. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the places where you cut your paragraphs! It makes it much more easier to read and, for some reason, makes it easier to understand. I never would have thought to write about point of view and your take on it really opens my eyes. I think my favorite part was that you added in an outside source and connected your analysis to the sheep, wolves and pigs. It kind of opened up the spectrum more because now, the analysis is not just about that one poem anymore. It revolves around a universal spectrum and that is really what I am looking for! I am glad that we both have the same (sort of) analysis for this poem because it just makes it easier for me to understand your thinking and everything that you are saying. Other than that, your website design is still sleek and classy! I love coming here because I know that I will find an insightful analysis of whatever we are reading. Good job!
ReplyDeleteWoah!!! Reading this was intense, I mean talk about revealing the truth. Which is what you did you used the poem to reveal the truth about our society which was mind-blowing. I love how you explained your title before starting so that we get a better idea of what you're going to talk about. I also do agree Niecy, it was great having an easy access to the poem so that we could better understand your analysis. You made this assignment into something more, not only explaining the poem and the literary device you chose, you connected everything to the world around you, and that is what a great writer does. Looking forward to more!!
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