Robert Frost’s poem ‘A soldier’ is an emotive piece that uses vivid language to reflect the feelings of a soldier who is returning from war. Through the use of sullen imagery and powerful description, this poem encapsulates the horror and weariness of a soldier who has seen the effects of war firsthand. The repetition of the words “home” and “dear” signify the soldier’s desire to be back home with his loved ones, whilst the melancholy verse and imagery speak to the reality of his situation. The poem opens with the soldier uttering a yearning to be reunited with his family and friends; “Home is the soldier, home from the war”. By using a parallel structure and emphasizing the word “home”, Frost highlights the soldier’s longing to reconnect and find solace in his familiar surroundings.
Frost conveys the soldier’s reluctance and fear of the return, both to his family and the society he once knew. His arrival home is met with unease and mistrust; “As a backed beast he stood too weak, Too few of kind to rally round him”. Frost cleverly reveals the collateral damage and human cost of war; the soldier is broken, bruised, and alone, his prior unity with his comrades now a distant memory. The “autumn woodlands”, together with the words “soberly” and “saddened” allude to the dark, lonely and melancholic voyage home.
The poem further draws upon passionate pleas of kindness, depicting the soldier’s request that he not be judged or seen as a pitiful sight. Instead, he craves a warm welcome, a lack of expectation and an understanding from those he returns to. In the final stanza, he seeks reassurance that he is not his “badness” – the memories of his war experience. Ultimately, he desires to be remembered in picture form, both for those he leaves behind, and for his own sake. His words speak to the need for more than just physical homecoming; a sense of community and reintegration into post-war life.
’A Soldier’ is an unforgettable poem; Frost’s powerful imagery and conversational tone capture the bleak realities of a soldier’s return. By describing the homecoming as a voyage and not a grand march, Frost allows us to consider the emotional burden of war, and the struggles faced by those who return.
Effects of War on a Soldier
Robert Frost’s poem ‘A Soldier’ poignantly brings to life the psychological effects of war on a soldier. The poem’s use of vivid imagery and symbolism serves to create a sorrowful tone and an insight into the damaging reality of what this soldier has experienced. This certainly resonates with modern times, as we have seen first-hand the emotional toll war has had on soldiers’ lives.
The poem begins by conveying the overwhelming feelings of isolation and pain the protagonist has experienced; “Too few of kind to rally round him”. Frost cleverly reflects on the loneliness of being a soldier after the war has ended and returning home to a society that doesn’t understand their plight. This loneliness can be seen in stark contrast to a life of comradeship enjoyed during the war. This sense of loneliness and suspicion can be seen in the imagery of “an alien in a land of alien-kind”.
The poem further highlights how many soldiers reintegrate into society with a sense of ambivalence and confusion after their war experience. A sense of guilt and wrong-doings emerge, as the protagonist succinctly states “Nay, not through hate of you, but more of him Within himself he was ashamed”. The language implies that this soldier has done things in war that he is not proud of, and this has left him with a lifelong battle with guilt.
The protagonist’s desire for modesty, friendship and lack of judgement is emphasised throughout the poem and conveys the deep psychological trauma a soldier can feel after war. The use of words such as “ashamed” and “soberly”, create an unsettling sentiment, which deepens our understanding of the emotional toll of war on a soldier’s wellbeing.
Frost’s poem ‘A Soldier’ is an emotive piece; its vivid language and powerful imagery bring to life the psychological effects of war on a soldier. Through the use of sullen imagery, symbolic references and moving descriptions, Frost captures the heart ache and despair of this soldier.
Lessons of War
Told through the eyes of a soldier, Robert Frost’s poem ‘A Soldier’ beautifully captures the impact war has on an individual, as well as the lessons it can teach. By using emotive imagery and vivid symbolism, Frost presents an insight into the horrifying realities of war and its lasting effects on an individual’s psyche.
The soldier’s request that he be welcomed and not judged for his past suggests that he is eager to rid himself of the guilt he feels for taking part in the war. His reference to his “badness” reflects his need not to be seen as a “good or bad soldier” but instead to be understood and accepted. This conveys a deep emotional response to the terrible acts associated with war.
The poem also presents a lesson in understanding, as the soldier yearns to be remembered as he was before the war. This reflects the need for greater understanding and acceptance of post-war veterans, in order to reintegrate them back into a normal life. The poem’s message of kindness, understanding and compassion is a powerful reminder of the need not to judge war veterans.
The imagery of an autumn woodland, used throughout the poem, speaks of the black fog that shrouds the soldier’s journey home. The symbolism of the season used here implies that the darkness of war is never ending. The poem thus serves as a reminder that war can have lasting and devastating effects, and that we must have patience and understanding for those who return from it.
Through ‘A Soldier’, Frost presents an insight into the reality of war, its emotional toll on an individual and the need for deeper understanding and acceptance of veterans. By using vivid language and powerful imagery, Frost allows us to consider the human cost of war and the struggles that remain long after it has ended.
Finding Home After War
The emotive poem ‘A Soldier’ by Robert Frost reflects on the struggles of war veterans to reconnect with their home following the conflict. Through vivid language and imagery, Frost presents an insight into the soldier’s anguish and loneliness as he returns to his loved ones.
Frost’s use of the parallel structure, “Home is the soldier, home from the war”, conveys the soldier’s desire for comfort and familiarity amid the cold and alien environment he returns from. The feelings of displacement and isolation before his reunion with his family and friends is heavily highlighted throughout the poem. The imagery of “an alien in a land of alien-kind” beautifully captures how estranged a veteran can feel upon their return.
By employing simple language, Frost is able to compose a powerful poem which speaks to the human price of war. Through the protagonist’s desire that he be seen through his pre-war self, rather than judged for his actions, Frost presents a heartbreaking reminder of how veterans can suffer a deep sense of guilt and shame.
The use of the word “home” throughout the poem conveys the powerful longing and desire the soldier has for connection and a chance to start anew. The final stanza, “These lines I tramped along, these are the lines I bring”, conveys the idea that the return is an arduous journey, both physical and emotional, and that change can slowly take place with strength and tenacity. By using emotive language, Frost poignantly captures the need for human connection and understanding following the conflict.
Redefining Home After War
Robert Frost’s poignant poem ‘A Soldier’ explores the theme of how a soldier redefines the idea of “home” after war. Through vivid imagery and emotive language, Frost highlights the soldier’s longing to belong and feel a sense of security and comfort even in unfamiliar scenes.
The use of words such as “soberly”, “unwarm”, and “distant” conveys the sense of displacement that the soldier feels as he returns to his family. The harsh reality of war also becomes clear, as the protagonist’s journey home is depicted as lonely and melancholic, with all of his former comrades long gone. The sense of forlornness is heightened by the use of imagery, “an alien in a land of alien-kind”.
The soldier’s plea for understanding and kindness upon his return resonates with the deeply felt need to be accepted and treated without judgement. By wishing to be “just remembered through a picture in a frame,” the protagonist conveys his hope that he be remembered as he was before the war, not for his “badness”.
The poem speaks of the importance of community and support in finding a sense of home after war. That the journey home is an ongoing and painful one is highlighted by the repetition of the word “home” throughout the poem and the imagery of an autumn woodland signifying the darkness that lingers beyond the conflict.
Frost’s poem ‘A Soldier’ is an emotive reflection on the need to redefine home following a war. Through the use of vivid language, Frost poignantly captures the struggle and pain of a soldier who is returning from conflict.
