The Man He Killed by Thomas Hardy is a dramatic monologue in which the speaker reflects on a soldier he killed in battle. The poem begins with the speaker stating that he shot a man in war, but the reason was simply because they were enemies. The speaker reflects on how if they had met in different circumstances, they might have shared a drink together, highlighting the absurdity and senselessness of war. Throughout the poem, the speaker grapples with the moral implications of killing another human being, ultimately questioning the rationale behind war and violence. You can read the poem below and find analysis further down the page.
The Man He Killed by Thomas Hardy
"Had he and I but met
By some old ancient inn,
We should have sat us down to wet
Right many a nipperkin!
"But ranged as infantry,
And staring face to face,
I shot at him and he at me,
And killed him in his place.
"I shot him dead because -
Because he was my foe,
Just so - my foe of course he was;
That's clear enough; although
"He thought he'd 'list perhaps,
Off-hand like - just as I -
Was out of work - had sold his traps -
No other reason why.
"Yes; quaint and curious war is!
You shoot a fellow down
You'd treat if met where any bar is,
Or help to half-a-crown."
Analysis:
Title and Subject Matter:
The title "The Man He Killed" immediately draws attention to the central event of the poem: the killing of a man by the speaker. The poem explores the internal conflict and moral dilemma faced by the speaker as he reflects on the senselessness of war and violence.
Structure and Form:
"The Man He Killed" is written in quatrains with a regular rhyme scheme (ABAB), creating a sense of rhythm and structure. The regularity of the form contrasts with the irregularity of the speaker's thoughts and emotions, highlighting the internal conflict within him.
Language and Tone:
Hardy uses simple, colloquial language to convey the speaker's thoughts and emotions in a direct and relatable manner. The tone of the poem is conversational and introspective, with the speaker reflecting on his actions and questioning the morality of war.
Irony and Paradox:
The poem is rich in irony and paradox, particularly in the speaker's realisation that the man he killed could have been a friend under different circumstances. Phrases like "I shot him dead because— / Because he was my foe" highlight the absurdity of killing someone simply because they are on the opposing side in a conflict.
Themes:
War and violence: The poem explores the senselessness and futility of war, highlighting the arbitrary nature of violence and its devastating consequences.
Morality and conscience: The speaker grapples with the moral implications of killing another human being, questioning the righteousness of war and the justifiability of violence.
Identity and empathy: The poem prompts readers to consider the humanity of those on the opposing side of a conflict, challenging stereotypes and fostering empathy.
Key Quotes
"Had he and I but met / By some old ancient inn"
"I shot him dead because— / Because he was my foe"
"Yes; quaint and curious war is!"
Conclusion:
The Man He Killed by Thomas Hardy is a powerful exploration of the senselessness of war and the moral complexities of violence. Through the perspective of the speaker, Hardy prompts readers to reflect on the arbitrary nature of conflict and the humanity of those involved. The poem's inclusion in the Edexcel GCSE English Literature Conflict Poetry Anthology provides students with an opportunity to engage with themes of internal conflict, morality, and the impact of war on individuals and society.
You can find analysis of all the Edexcel Conflict Poetry Anthology Poems here.
