Analyzing The Axis Soldier's Poem '

b) 1. Alliteration in this poem occurs in various verses, expressing itself with different tones. An example includes the 3rd line of the 2nd verse, where the soldier stops to think. The sounds that come from the words “suddenly”, “slow” and “started” seems as if the soldier is hypnotized by his conscious, beginning to reflect upon the meaning of love. A second example expresses this technique on the 4th line of the 5th verse. The words “wishing”, “was”, “where” and “won” express the soldier’s intolerance on the Great War and feeling of despair knowing the Axis soldier lost his life. Finally, the last important section using alliteration is located on the 2nd line of the 6th verse. The letters “f” from the words “filled”, “fiery” and “flames”

In this particular poem, one slant rhyme is found on the 3rd verse, which uniquely contains 5 lines. Detected on the 3rd and 4th line, the last words “wound” and “moon” sound awkwardly with one another, especially with contrasting last consonants. However, the vowel “o” from both words sound alright together, considering that the accent is accurate. Both words from these lines symbolize the desperation and the weak health of the Axis soldier. At the same time, the Allied soldier remains hesitant of the man’s horrible condition. While his paranoid emotions take over and distracting himself to pray, the poem purposely uses an irregular word as the soldier remains speechless of the occurring events. Comparing to the other appropriate end rhymes, these lines differentiate from the rest due to these

Diction presents a large impact on the poem and its structured story plot. The choice of words in the first couple of verses deliberates various negative tone. The war generals and armies from both opposing powers are depicted with anger and feeling a great deal of agony while fighting in the Great War. Certain words such as “petrifying”, “brisk”, “hurry”, “strain” and “tears” describe these intense feelings and painful injuries that the soldiers must experience. But in particular, the main character starts to reflect and become in awe about the truth of love at a certain point. This allows the tone to alternate gently toward an optimistic approach. The words “wonder”, “ponder”, “horizon” and “peace” are pertinent to uplifting thoughts and the soldier’s substantial faith in spiritual beings such as God. However, madness from the middle verses, abrupted his positive thinking as the bombs and fire began to dominate the battlefield. The prime use of words declares that the tone of the story becomes more frightening and uncomfortable. For instance, “crippled”, “blazing” and “cracked” demonstrate the British soldier’s instability toward the lethal weapons. This causes him to die in a tragic way. Finally, the last verses focus on an antagonistic approach, which makes readers catch their complete attention. A rejoiceful choice of words such as “wings”, “revived”, “arrived” and “visioned” represent the strong positive feelings when the Allied soldier rose into heaven. Thus, it