by Harmony LeFay

Created on: March 09, 2010

Innocent Murder

            In a world filled with merciless crimes, it is not rare to hear of people losing their humanity.  Instead, animalistic brutality takes over; chaos and greed conquer the harmony and compassion that most humans desperately long for. The poem "The Man He Killed" by Thomas Hardy illustrates the universal theme of inhumanity that is consequential of war. His anti-war message is incorporated through the elements of characterization, tone, and diction.

            The theme of inhumanity is promoted by the narrator's characterization.  While there are few details in this short poem, Hardy includes enough information for the reader to understand his perspective on man's inhumanity toward his fellow man. First of all, the young soldier never indicates that he joined the war for patriotic reasons; of course, war is not always about fighting for one's country or beliefs.  While it has always been customary for uneducated men to join the army, the narrator doesn't seem to take pride in his country or duty. Rather, the soldier notes that he is doing it "off-hand," probably as a means to earn money.  Armies are promoted as united citizens who are fighting for a cause; however, Hardy illustrates that this isn't true.  After all, Hardy characterizes the narrator as being interested in personal gain when he mentions that he enlisted because he was out of work, and the poem fails to mention any cause or loyalty.  In addition, Hardy illustrates that the narrator does not seem to know why he is killing another man and tries to justify his actions.  In the lines "I shot him dead because— / Because he was my foe," the narrator appears to be searching for a reason as to why he is killing another soldier and cannot come up with an adequate answer; the young soldier has no real reason to kill another man except for the fact that he was instructed to by his commanding officers.

        While the narrator's characterization is influential, the tone of the poem also promotes the theme of inhumanity.  Hardy includes indications that he is pessimistic toward war and its effect on humanity; he illustrates war as a cold, planned act of inhumanity against a fellow man.  The lines "You shoot a fellow down / You'd treat if met where any bar is, / Or help to half-a-crown"

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