The Man He Killed is a poem written by Thomas Hardy in 1902. The poem is a reflection on the nature of war and the human cost it entails. In the poem, the speaker reflects on the fact that he has killed a man in battle, but he also recognizes that the man he killed was just like him, with his own hopes, dreams, and reasons for being on the battlefield.
The poem begins with the speaker stating that he "met him face to face," implying that the man he killed was not just an anonymous enemy, but someone he actually saw and interacted with. The speaker then goes on to describe the man he killed as "young," "fair," and "fierce," indicating that he was a formidable opponent in battle.
However, despite the fact that the man was his enemy, the speaker also recognizes that he had his own life and experiences. He notes that the man he killed "thought he'd 'list, perhaps, / Off-hand like—just as I— / Was out of work—had sold his traps— / No other reason why." This suggests that the man was not necessarily fighting for any grand cause, but rather that he was simply trying to make a living and support himself.
The speaker then goes on to contemplate the idea that the man he killed may have had a family and friends who would miss him, just as the speaker himself has loved ones who would grieve for him if he were to die in battle. He asks, "Had he and I but met / By some old ancient inn, / We should have set us down to wet / Right many a nipperkin!" This line suggests that, in a different context, the two men might have been friends and enjoyed each other's company over a drink.
Ultimately, The Man He Killed is a poignant reflection on the tragedy of war and the inherent humanity of even one's enemies. It highlights the fact that, in the midst of conflict, it is easy to dehumanize and vilify one's opponents, but that each person is a unique individual with their own hopes, dreams, and reasons for being on the battlefield. The poem serves as a reminder to consider the human cost of war and the fact that, even in the midst of conflict, we are all more alike than we might think.
