English Literature made easy - Poetry

The General

by Sigfried Sasson:

Being a soldier himself Sigfried Sasson has tried to recollect his past experience, the success and failure.

Sasson's using 'military slang' is quite obvious in his manner of speaking. The poet recalls to the days in the forces and his polite behaviour pattern followed by the wish "Good morning" though he was leading the soldiers to utter dismay. Berefit of sympathy or consideration for the poor soldiers, marching forward into the monstrous situation.

The soldiers derive courage by the commander's forceful, yet striking, smooth words: "Good morning, Good morning" though the General is least worried about the soldier's lives and the survival of their families. The General's gracious and refined nature confined only to his "Good morning", signifying his professional conduct. The ironic use of his polite words bear no pity or sympathy for the soldiers marching forward forecasting the tragic situation ahead.

The lives of the surviving soldiers may get themselves destined to the same fate of the soldiers who died under tragic circumstances.

"Now the soldiers he smiled at are almost dead,

And we're cursing his staff for incompetent swine"

Due to false procedure maintained by the high officials of the staff concerned. These lines assume refined commentary of the General neither capable of grasping the tactics of war nor a cautious leader. "Harry" and "Jack" speak of their general in a cheerful manner as they proceed to the battle front in Arrars...Unfortunately "Harry" and "Jack" never returned.

The Poet lavishly comments on its placing the general as the person responsible for their death and betraying his soldiers.

"He's a cheery old card" grunted Harry to Jack As they slogged up to Arras with rifle and pack"

The most pathetic and highlighted situation lies in the lastline.

"But he did for them both by his plan and attack"

Sigfried Sasson has portrayed the General as a person good at his own interest creating a path for his own benefit in the guise of a General not concerned about the plight of his own innocent soldiers, destined to die in the most pathetic condition.

Sasson's diction style is simple yet striking. Having derived words and phrases from the military slang

"Incompetent swine" meaning useless beast.

"Cherry old card" (cheerful old man)

"did for them both" (set a trap)

Thus using the military slang, the expressions are striking and appealing. Sasson being in the army himself has used military slang quite freely in a very impressive manner creating the background in quite a dramatic style.

Sasson's military slang "incompetent swine", "Cheery old card" invite the reader's attention in an effective manner. The remarkable language style add "force and authenticity" to the expressions" (Gamini Fonseka's comment)

Sigfried Sasson's portrayal of the General highlights a General maintaining his status "At the expense of" the innocent soldiers.

Mrs. C. Ekanayake,
Retd. Specialist Teacher English.