Before Actionby

William Noel Hodgson, 29th June, 1916

(3rd 1893 - July 1916)

The author and the poem…• This Poem relates to W.N. Hodgson because he had

first hand experiences of war. He participated in a war. Was in the 9th battalion of London. This poem was written about his experiences in war. He expressed his feelings on his first day of war through his poetry.

• He is probably best remembered today for his poem 'Before Action', which was written two days before he died.

By all the glories of the day - AAnd the cool evening's benison - BBy that last sunset touch that lay

- AUpon the hills when day was done,

- BBy beauty lavishly outpoured - CAnd blessings carelessly received,

- DBy all the days that I have lived - DMake me a soldier, Lord.

- C

By all of all man's hopes and fearsAnd all the wonders poets sing,The laughter of unclouded years,And every sad and lovely thing;By the romantic ages storedWith high endeavour that was his,By all his mad catastrophesMake me a man, O Lord.

 I, that on my familiar hillSaw with uncomprehending eyesA hundred of thy sunsets spillTheir fresh and sanguine sacrifice,Ere the sun swings his noonday swordMust say good-bye to all of this; -By all delights that I shall miss,Help me to die, O Lord.

• Theme : War (Feelings) – Point of view of a soldier• Structure : 3 stanzas, 8 lines• Rhyming pattern : A,B,A,B,C,D,D,C• Tone : From sad, to happy, to feared, to gloomy• Literary device and language appreciation : • Personification – The laughter of unclouded years, The

sun swing his noonday sword• Repetition – make me a soldier, make me a man, O Lord,

Help me to die, O Lord• Monologue – The author own thoughts • Imagery – Must say good-bye to all of this

Prepared by : AHMAD FAROUQ BIN AMIR 2010313869