The Man He Killed

• What is the main conflict described in the poem?

  The speaker struggles with the reason for killing a man.
• What does the poem suggest about the nature of war?


  War is pointless and soldiers share commonalities.
• What are the key structural elements of the poem?

  • Rhyme scheme: ABAB
  • Lines 1, 2, and 4 in iambic trimeter; line 3 in iambic tetrameter
  • Use of pluperfect subjunctive
  • Enjambment for narrative feel
  • Simple structure with ironic undertones
  • Caesura reflects the speaker's thought process
  • Dramatic monologue
• What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?

  ABAB
• How does enjambment function in the poem?


  It conveys the speaker's ongoing thoughts and feelings.
• What does the use of caesura indicate in the poem?


  It shows the speaker's hesitation and thought process.
• What tone does the poem convey?


  The tone is ironic.
• What themes are explored in the poem?


  • Guilt and justification
  • Pointlessness of war
  • Warfare and its impact
  • Society and class distinctions
• What does the speaker imply about the man he killed?


  He realizes they could have been friends under different circumstances.
• How does the speaker's language reflect his internal conflict?


  He stutters and repeats words, showing doubt and confusion.
• What does the phrase "quaint and curious war" suggest?

  It highlights the absurdity and senselessness of war.
• What does the imagery of meeting at a pub imply?


  It contrasts the brutality of war with the potential for friendship.
• How does the speaker view the soldiers on both sides?


  He sees them as equals, despite being enemies.
• What does the speaker mean by "I shot him dead because —"?

  He is trying to justify his actions but struggles to articulate it.
• What does the repetition of "because" signify in the poem?


  It indicates the speaker's struggle to justify his actions.
• Why is the ABAB rhyme scheme considered controversial?


  It creates a nursery rhyme sound that contrasts with the serious theme of war.
• What does the phrase "out of work" imply about the soldiers?


  They joined the army due to economic necessity.
• How does the poem's structure contribute to its themes?


  The simple structure contrasts with the complex emotions of war, enhancing irony.
• What does the speaker's realization about the man he killed reveal?


  It shows that he recognizes the shared humanity between soldiers.
• How does the poem reflect on the nature of friendship in the context of war?


  It suggests that war destroys potential friendships between individuals.