To What Extent Does The Rhyme Scheme In The Voice Of The Returned Soldier

Do not read this paper it it not trueThe poem takes the form of a dramatic monologue in the voice of the returned soldier. It has five stanzas each of four lines which follow a regular metre and an ABAB rhyme scheme in each stanza. The first, second and last line of each verse is about six syllables long, while the third line is slightly longer at eight syllables. The regular metre gives the poem a ‘chatty’ tone, which helps to set the scene, as well as delaying the realisation that this is actually quite a dark poem.

The only place where the regular metre breaks down is in the fourth stanza. Dashes are used to break up the rhythm, perhaps to reflect the gradual realisation that the "enemy" soldier probably had more in common with the speaker than he may have thought.

Structure
The structure of the poem moves from a friendly opening to the idea that the speaker is talking about an enemy soldier, to the realisation that he is not an enemy, and finally to the last stanza which sums up the futility of war and its effect on the people who fight. This reflects the developing realisation on the part of the soldier.

Structure
The structure of the poem moves from a friendly opening to the idea that the speaker is talking about an enemy
This reflects the developing realisation on the part of the soldier. speaker is talking about an enemy soldier, to the realisation that he is not an enemy, and finally to the last stanza which sums up the futility of war and its effect on the people who fight. This reflects the developing realisation on the part of the soldier. speaker is talking about an enemy soldier, to the realisation that he is not an enemy, and finally to the last stanza which sums