Human Connection and Moral Ambiguity in 'The Man He Killed'

Introduction

Thomas Hardy's poignant poem "The Man He Killed" delves into the complexities of war, offering a nuanced exploration of the emotional aftermath and moral dilemmas faced by a soldier in the Boer Wars. This analysis aims to unravel Hardy's use of literary devices such as figurative language, repetition, symbolism, and wordplay to convey the narrator's profound sense of apprehension, doubt, and the questioning of the necessity of war.

Setting the Tone

The poem deviates from the typical chaotic depictions of war, describing it as "quaint and curious.

" This departure from conventional imagery immediately prompts readers to question the necessity of the conflict, setting a unique tone that challenges preconceived notions of warfare.

Lack of Emotion and Justification

Hardy crafts a narrative where the act of taking a life lacks the expected emotional weight and remorse. Lines such as "And staring face to face, I shot him as he at me, and killed him in his place" suggest an execution-like scenario, challenging the conventional portrayal of war as chaotic and justified by the enmity between foes.

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This absence of emotion prompts readers to question the justification of the act. War is typically portrayed as a violent, chaotic endeavor, yet the narrator's description of it as "quaint and curious" raises doubts about its necessity. The altercation seems more like an execution than a battle, forcing readers to contemplate the moral implications of such an act.

Repetition and Self-Assurance

Repetition becomes a powerful tool as the narrator repeats the words "because" and "foe.

" This repetition provides insight into the narrator's need for self-assurance regarding the reasons behind the killing. The dash, introducing hesitation, casts doubt on the narrator's true motives, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and introspection.

Further in the poem, the repetition of "because" and "foe" becomes a refrain, highlighting the narrator's attempt to convince himself of the justification for the act. The dash, indicating a pause, adds a layer of uncertainty and doubt, suggesting internal conflict and the need for self-assurance.

Interchangeable Identities

The narrator and the killed man emerge as potentially interchangeable figures, both driven by desperation and financial struggles. This challenges the notion of them being sworn enemies and emphasizes the shared humanity beneath the surface, transcending the labels imposed by their respective countries.

Despite being labeled as enemies, the narrator and the killed man share similarities in their circumstances. The poem hints at their interchangeable identities, suggesting that, in different circumstances, they might have been friends. This challenges the dehumanization that occurs during war, highlighting the shared humanity of individuals on opposing sides.

Literary Elements

Hardy strategically employs literary elements to convey his ideas. The use of dashes becomes a driving force, exposing the narrator's insecurities and hesitation. It is first recognized when, in the ninth line while repeating the word "because," it seems as if he is hesitating, unsure of what to say, or if he even believes in what he is saying.

Furthermore, in the following stanza, he uses several dashes to interrupt himself while he creates a scenario for the man he had just taken life away from: "Off-hand-like—just as I—"(14). Again, emphasizing the similarity between the men and introducing a sense of realism to the narrative. The dashes, used to interrupt the flow, convey the narrator's internal conflict and deep contemplation.

Emotional Impact

The narrator's potential feelings of guilt and the search for the purpose behind the killing are explored. The final stanza suggests an attempt to move on while still contemplating the life taken away, revealing the enduring emotional impact and internal conflict.

The emotional impact of taking a life is further emphasized. Lines like "quaint and curious war is!" suggest a detached acceptance, but the underlying contemplation about the man's life indicates an enduring emotional impact. The poem delves into the complexities of the narrator's psyche, portraying the lasting effects of war on an individual's emotions and morality.

Reflection and Imagined Friendship

The poem's setting in a bar symbolizes broken friendships and missed opportunities. The narrator reflects on what could have been a shared drink, emphasizing the profound impact of the lost connection and the humanization of the foe he killed.

The closing lines, set in a bar, evoke a sense of reflection and loss. The imagined camaraderie over a drink amplifies the tragedy of the broken friendship. This setting becomes a poignant metaphor for the missed opportunities for connection and understanding, adding depth to the emotional impact of the poem.

Concluding Thoughts

Hardy masterfully exposes the narrator's insecurities without explicit statements, allowing readers to infer the internal struggle depicted in the poem. The analysis highlights the profound emotional consequences of taking a life in war, raising questions about justification and the enduring impact on an individual's psyche.

Final Considerations

Beyond the specific narrative, the analysis touches on the broader implications of war, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the enduring impact on individuals. The conclusion underscores the narrator's ongoing grappling with the consequences of his actions, portraying internal conflict and a continuous search for justification.