Task 2 : Critical Analysis of Poetry

Point of view

This poem shows conflicting images of the author's mindset of what should actually be the life of a child in contrast with how the children suffering in war really are. The first stanza shows the ignorance of a child, in the sentence, "have not seen the light." This probably means that they are young and still in a state of darkness and ignorance, and thus, this stanza evokes sympathy in the reader as in their unknowing state, they will have to be "teach to fight." Soldiers usually fight out of a sense of patriotism or loyalty, but this children, completely unaware of anything are being taught to fight, the only thing they are learning. The author is sympathize the children, forced by the circumstances of the war , who had to fight the war. He is also strongly against innocent children to go to war.

Situation and Setting

It is narrating on the children that lives a completely different live, and born in a world of war with no light. It shows how blinded they have been turned into by the external circumstances and why it deserves our sympathy. The phrase "war consume them" further evokes the reader's feelings on how the children have been used as a machine for war, which then leads to the war being the entire point of their lives.

Language and Dictation

Metaphors were used. One example would be the title, in which darkness do not necessarily meant a place with no bright light to light up the place. It has a deeper meaning in which refers to being blinded by war.

Personal Response

Definitely, its very painful to know that children who are forced by the war circumstances to go to war. They had nothing to do with war and yet they are involved! The author had made of use of this point and depicted it very well in his poem. He is able to allow the readers to know how children are "kept in the dark". I really sympathize and empathize them. Through this poem, I have also learn to treasure my life more. I am taking things for granted in my daily lives. On the other hand, children same age as me or even younger had to suffer much more than me, they had to go to war, they do not get enough shelter and food.

Source : http://www.warpoetry.co.uk

http://2a306languagearts.blogspot.com/2011/05/children-in-darkness-task-2.html