Analysing the poem ‘The Man He Killed’ by Thomas Hardy
I can explain how Hardy uses language, form and structure to convey the speaker’s attitude to war.
Analysing the poem ‘The Man He Killed’ by Thomas Hardy
I can explain how Hardy uses language, form and structure to convey the speaker’s attitude to war.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The poem takes the form of a dramatic monologue.
- Regular meter creates an informal tone as the speaker explains his actions.
- The equal stanzas could represent the commonality of experiences of war.
- Repetition and mirrored language illustrate a connection between the speaker and the man he killed.
- Hardy uses informal language to characterise the speaker as a regular and relatable person.
Common misconception
The 'enemy' soldier was a similar person to the speaker - he did a similar job and was of a similar social status.
We only learn about the 'enemy' soldier through the speaker's perspective. In stanza 4, the speaker infers what the man's life was like and, in turn, reveals a lot about his life and motivations for joining the army.
Keywords
Colloquialism - informal words, phrases, or expressions characteristic of everyday conversation
Slang - informal language consisting of unconventional words/phrases specific to certain groups or cultures
Interjections - words or phrases used to express emotion, surprise, or emphasis, often inserted into a sentence
Dramatic monologue - a poetic form in which a single character speaks, revealing their thoughts, feelings, and motivations
Commonality - shared features, traits, or characteristics among individuals, groups, or things
Equipment
You need access to a copy of ‘The Man He Killed’ by Thomas Hardy. This can be found in the Edexcel Poetry Anthology (we will be using the ‘Conflict’ cluster).
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
the words and phrases chosen by the poet to convey meaning and emotion
the arrangement of a poem, including rhyme scheme and poem type
the organisation and sequencing of ideas, imagery, and narrative
Exit quiz
6 Questions
unconventional words/phrases specific to certain groups or cultures
words, phrases, or expressions characteristic of everyday conversation
words/phrases inserted into a sentence to express emotion or surprise
sentence or utterance used to convey strong, intense emotions
"We should have sat us down to wet / Right many a nipperkin"
"He thought he'd 'list"
"Because he was my foe, / Just so: my foe of course he was"
"Yes; quaint and curious war is!"