afterblenheim


 * __After Blenheim - Robert Southey__**

Download a copy of the poem by clicking on the document below.


 * __Useful Notes__**

The main point of Southey's poem is to show the futility of war. At the start of the poem the scene seems to be idyllic. The countryside and the children, with their grandfather seem to be living in a fairytale-like situation.

"And he before his cottage door, was sitting in the sun"

The poet creates this beautiful scene and then contrasts this with the horiffic discovery found by the children. How does the grandfather react to the presentation of the skull? What further horrors emerge? You will need to write a paragraph explaining what we know about the battle and of the innocent people who obviously died.

"And many a childing mother then, and newborn baby died"

Write another paragraph about the innocent people who died. Soldiers were killed in their thousands but the idea of children and pregnant women being killed just because they were in the area (collateral damage) is horrific and changes our view of war. You will need to say about how this has affected you and what relevance it has in the present day.

The poet uses repetition and this is also something that politicians use to influence people, particularly in times of war (propaganda). The grandfather has clearly heard these repeated comments so many times he believes them. If you tell the same lie over and over again, somehow people believe it and it becomes truth.

"It was a great victory"

You will need to write a paragrpah on the effect of this repetition and how it affects us as readers. Does it become ironic by the end of the poem? Was this battle a great victory for ordinary people? Is war ever a great victory?

The children, however, respond to their grandfather's comments with innocence -'out of the mouths of babes'. They cannot be affected by the rhetoric of war because they can only speak the truth. You will need to develop this idea.

"Why twas a very wicked thing! Said little Wilhelmine.

You will then need to explain the children's reactions and talk about the explanation for their different views of the battle from those of their grandfather.

Do you think this is an anti-war poem? Why do you think it is still relevant today?


 * You will need to develop these ideas more to complete your commentary. You can download the Powerpoint below to help you further. It contains useful background information about the battle and also different quotes to help you think about what Southey was trying to say about war.**