What feelings and emotions do you convey from this poem?

Question

I need help on this English assignment. This is a poem by Arthur Rimbaud during the Symbolism period.

------
The Sleeper in the Valley

It is a green hollow where a stream gurgles,
Crazily catching silver rags of itself on the grasses;
Where the sun shines from the proud mountain:
It is a little valley bubbling over with light.

A young soldier, open-mouthed, bare-headed,
With the nape of his neck bathed in cool blue cresses,
Sleeps; he is stretched out on the grass, under the sky,
Pale on his green bed where the light falls like rain.

His feet in the yellow flags, he lies sleeping. Smiling as
A sick child might smile, he is having a nap:
Cradle him warmly, Nature: he is cold.

No odour makes his nostrils quiver;
He sleeps in the sun, his hand on his breast
At peace. There are two red holes in his right side.
-----

If you could tell me what feelings and emotions you get from this poem, particularly the last two lines, that'll be great.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Wow, this is a fantastic poem-full of imagery. It makes me think of a battle field. To me, the first stanza represents stillness. The young soldier obviously represents the men gone to fight those battles of our day and age. "Sleeps...Pale on his green bed..." he lays on the grass dead. "Smiling as a sick child might smile..." this soldier has seen many terrible things, events and moments that no human should have to see or experience.

"Cradle him warmly, Nature: he is cold." I love this line. Again it is emphasizing that he is dead. The words bring an image to my mind of the sun rising and bringing warmth to his cold, dead body.

The last stanza is incredibly moving. "No odor makes his nostrils quiver..." he can't smell or feel anything-life has left him. "He sleeps in the sun, his hand on his breast...At peace..." the sun now high above, his body motionless. His soul has left his body. "There are two red holes in his right side." -the poem is stating for the first time in real words that the soldier is dead. These lines bring tears to my eyes. People who have actually been in war will feel their emotions the strongest. I feel blessed to live in a country where we can fight for our freedom. I feel free and loved.

I guess I got a little carried away- hope that helps you!!

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Wow thank you!