Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Barrage" by Richard Aldington is a short yet intensely vivid poem that employs powerful imagery to convey the ferocity and chaos of war. Aldington, known for his association with the Imagist movement, effectively uses concise and striking imagery to evoke strong emotions, a technique evident in this poem. His experiences as a soldier during World War I significantly influenced his writing, often reflecting the brutality and futility of war.

The poem opens with the word "Thunder," immediately setting a tone of ominous power and impending chaos. This single-word line acts as a harbinger for the tumultuous imagery that follows, suggesting the explosive sounds of artillery, which were a defining feature of the battlefields of World War I.

Aldington then draws on various mythological and legendary images to convey the intensity and terror of the barrage. He references "the gallop of innumerable Valkyrie impetuous for battle," invoking the image of these mythic figures from Norse mythology, known as choosers of the slain, rushing towards battle. This metaphor suggests not only the violence of war but also the inevitability of death that looms over the battlefield.

The "beating of vast eagle wings above Prometheus" is another powerful image, evoking the story of Prometheus from Greek mythology, who was punished by the gods and had an eagle eat his liver every day. This imagery could symbolize the relentless, torturous nature of the barrage, akin to the unending punishment of Prometheus.

Aldington further intensifies the imagery with "The contest of tall barbaric gods smitten by the hammer of Thor," drawing from Norse mythology to depict a scene of monumental and violent struggle. Thor's hammer, a symbol of destructive force and power, contributes to the portrayal of the barrage as an overwhelming and destructive event.

The repetition of "Pursuit! Pursuit! Pursuit!" emphasizes the relentless and unceasing nature of the barrage. This repetition mirrors the incessant bombardment experienced by soldiers in the trenches, a relentless assault that leaves no room for rest or escape.

The final lines, "The huge black dogs of hell / Leaping full-mouthed in murderous pursuit!" bring the imagery to a climax. These lines evoke the hounds of hell, possibly referencing Cerberus from Greek mythology, adding a layer of fear and inescapability to the barrage. The "huge black dogs" are depicted as relentless and deadly, embodying the inescapable and lethal nature of modern warfare.

In conclusion, "Barrage" by Richard Aldington is a masterful example of Imagist poetry, using intense and vivid imagery to capture the chaos, violence, and terror of war. Aldington's choice of mythological and legendary references serves to elevate the portrayal of the barrage, giving it a timeless and universal quality that transcends the specific context of World War I. The poem's imagery communicates the unrelenting and destructive nature of war, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

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