The man he killed

• What is the title of the poem discussed?

  The man he killed
• What situation does the speaker reflect on in the poem?

  Having to kill a man in combat
• How does the speaker feel about killing the man?

  He cannot justify his actions
• What does the poem suggest about the nature of war?

  It shows war has no goal or end
• What is the rhyme scheme of the poem and its significance?

  • Rhyme scheme: ABAB
  • Mimics a nursery rhyme
  • Contrasts rhythm with violent content
  • Suggests cyclical nature of war
• What literary device is used to show the cyclical structure of the poem?

  Repetition of references to a pub at start and end
• What perspective is the poem written from?

  First person, personal experience
• What does the speaker struggle to explain in the poem? and quite to show this

  His actions in killing another man

  
  

  ” i shot him dead because-“
• What is a key theme in "The man he killed"?

  The futility of war