The Man He Killed

Question 1

What is the Man he killed about?

Answer 1

A soldier reflects on killing an enemy in war and realises that, under different circumstances, they might have been friends. The poem highlights the senselessness and irony of war.

Question 2

What is the form of the man he killed?

Answer 2

Dramatic monologue - sounds like the soldier is talking directly to the reader, making it personal and reflective.

Question 3

What is the structure of the man he killed?

Answer 3

Regular rhyme scheme (ABAB) Simple, almost sing-song rhythm contrasts with serious subject — highlighting the ironic, everyday nature of killing. - highlighting irony and confusion

Question 4

How does the writer use irony and contradiction in the man he killed?

Answer 4

Irony and Contradiction - “I shot him dead…my foe of course he was”

-struggles to justify killing someone Highlights the senselessness of war

Question 5

How does the writer use Colloquial language in the man he killed?

Answer 5

Colloquial language

“Yes; quaint and curious war is!”
personal and reflective, trying to make sense of his feelings

Question 6

How does the writer use repetition in the man he killed?

Answer 6

Repetition of “if”:

The repeated questioning reflect his conflicted feelings and shared humanity — emphasizing the unnaturalness of war.

Question 7

Context of the man he killed?

Answer 7

Written after the Boer War (1899–1902), a conflict between the British Empire and South African republics.