Epitaph on an Army of Mercenaries by A. E. Housman
"Epitaph on an Army of Mercenaries" by A. E. Housman is a poignant eight-line poem that honors the courage and sacrifice of British mercenaries during World War I, particularly at the battles of Ypres. This work reflects on the bravery and heroism displayed by these professional soldiers, who, despite being motivated by payment, played a crucial role in defending a world on the brink of collapse. Housman acknowledges the valor of these soldiers while also highlighting their tragic fate—many perished in battle, and those who survived faced harsh criticism and neglect. The poem reveals a dual sentiment of admiration for the soldiers’ contributions and lamentation for their unrecognized sacrifices. Additionally, Housman's antireligious themes emerge as he critiques a higher power for abandoning humanity during such dire times. The text serves as a complex reflection on valor, sacrifice, and the moral uncertainties associated with mercenary service in wartime. Through this exploration, Housman invites readers to consider the often-overlooked narratives of those who fight for pay, revealing the intricate layers of bravery and loss intertwined in their experiences.
Epitaph on an Army of Mercenaries by A. E. Housman
Excerpted from an article in Magill’s Survey of World Literature, Revised Edition
First published: 1922 (collected in Last Poems, 1922)
Type of work: Poem
The Work
“Epitaph on an Army of Mercenaries” is a short, occasional poem of eight lines, one of the many poems that Housman wrote to celebrate the extraordinary bravery of soldiers in the face of great odds. In this poem, the poet honors the British mercenaries, professional soldiers who performed with great valor and heroism at the battles of Ypres during the early stages of England’s entry into World War I.
In short, Housman says that these soldiers, although paid for their work, saved a world that was fast crumbling; further, had it not been for these hired soldiers, much, if not all, would have been lost. Unfortunately, despite being paid for their services, many of the soldiers were killed in battle; those who were not were often victims of the harshest criticism. Housman both laments their predicament and celebrates their most important contributions.
Housman’s antireligious sentiments are also revealed in this poem. These sentiments were no secret and had been expressed in many of the poems in A Shropshire Lad. In “Epitaph on an Army of Mercenaries,” however, the poet, in the process of applauding the soldiers’ defense, is bitterly critical of a God who would abandon the world, let the heavens fall, and allow the foundations of the world to crumble.
Bibliography
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