Hello writing world! I am back again and this time attempting to analyze poetry.... (Before this year I had never done that!) However as my mom always says, never a bad idea to try new things! 

       In the poem, Base Details by Siegfried Sassoon he uses diction to convey the speakers attitude of bitterness. After reading the poem a few times I understood that it was about war but was convinced there was more to it than that. Therefore I did some research and found that Base details is about a soldier who is bitter over the fact that old man ( politicians and such ) wage war and in turn send young men to fight it. I say men because when this poem was written that was whom they were depicting was fighting a war. Now however we know it could be young females that end up in harm’s way do towards older men and women deciding to go to war. 

     The diction in the poem conveys such bitterness when Siegfried uses words such as, Fierce and Petulant to describe his appearance. In addition when he explains how those who waged the war were “Guzzling and gulping in the best hotel..." While they were out to war. These young men did not want to fight a war they did not choose and that was evident in the bitter attitude conveyed. The poem primarily adds humor to the horrendous and unfair actions and decisions during a time of war. This poem in my opinion could be considered a Satire because the poem is in no way attacking one person but the idea that government officials get to choose to go to war and to send young soldiers out. 

     Until I read this poem a few times I did not uncover the indirect method of making fun of the way the government in a sense sends the youth out to fight their battles. The speaker is mocking what it would be like in the life of an officer during World War I. As I am reading this I keep thinking that history truly does repeat itself as men and women are risking their lives all the time to fight someone else's battle based on orders they were given. Although this is their job, I cannot begin to imagine having to fight on the front lines and watch as officers and politicians who took a young man away from his family drink and enjoy life without a single regard for the men that are in a sense cleaning up their mess. 

     I have to say this poem was amazing and now I completely comprehend why people take the time to analyze poetry and literary devices. In addition, this truly helped me understand what a work of Satire is and how to recognize one. I have to say I have not been a fan of Satire but I think after reading this poem I will take another approach to it. Hope you enjoyed! 

Until next time! Make sure to keep analyzing and reading!