"Dreamers" ends with the image of a man going to an office by train. Why do you think Sassoon chose to end the poem with this image?

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Siegfried Sassoon's poem "Dreamers" depicts the experiences and thoughts of soldiers during World War I. The ending image of a man going to an office by train serves as a contrasting and thought-provoking conclusion to the poem. Here's a possible interpretation of why Sassoon chose to end the poem this way:

1. Contrast: Throughout the poem, Sassoon emphasizes the stark contrast between the horrors of war and the mundane, everyday lives that soldiers yearn for. The ending image of a man going to an office by train represents the ordinary, peaceful routine of civilian life in contrast to the chaos and trauma faced by the soldiers during the war.

2. Irony: By ending the poem with an image that symbolizes the resumption of normalcy, Sassoon invites the reader to consider the contrast between the soldiers' experiences and the lives they long for. The war has left an indelible mark on the soldiers, and their dreams of a peaceful life may seem distant or unattainable.

3. Reflection: The ending image prompts the reader to reflect on the broader implications of war and the profound impact it has on individuals and society as a whole. It raises questions about the significance of war, the sacrifices made by soldiers, and the price paid for the preservation of peace.

Overall, Sassoon's choice to end "Dreamers" with the image of a man going to an office by train serves to highlight the stark contrast, irony, and reflection on the experiences of soldiers and the lasting impact of war.

In order to understand why Sassoon chose to end the poem "Dreamers" with the image of a man going to an office by train, let's first analyze the poem and its themes.

"Dreamers" is a poem written by Siegfried Sassoon, a British war poet known for his anti-war sentiments. The poem describes a group of soldiers who are disillusioned and mentally scarred by the horrors of war. It emphasizes the contrast between their futile dreams and the grim reality they face. The poem explores the themes of war, disillusionment, and the loss of innocence.

Now, let's consider why Sassoon might have chosen to conclude the poem with the image of a man going to an office by train. The final lines of the poem read:

"And mocked by hopeless longing to regain
Bank-holidays, and picture shows, and spats,
And going to the office in the train."

This image of a mundane, routine office job signifies a return to normality and society after the nightmares of war. It represents the loss of the soldiers' dreams and aspirations, as they trade the excitement and camaraderie of war for a routine and mundane civilian life.

By choosing to end the poem with this image, Sassoon effectively contrasts the dreams of the soldiers, which were shattered by the horrors of war, with the harsh reality they are now faced with. It highlights the disenchantment and disillusionment experienced by the soldiers, as they are forced back into a society that seems indifferent to their suffering.

In essence, the ending image emphasizes the profound impact of war on the soldiers' lives and the hard reality they must return to. It serves as a reflection on the sacrifices made by those who have experienced the brutalities of war and the difficulty of reintegrating into civilian life.

To summarize, Sassoon's choice to end the poem "Dreamers" with the image of a man going to an office by train underscores the contrast between the soldiers' dreams and the harsh reality they face after experiencing the horrors of war. It symbolizes their loss of innocence and the challenges of reintegrating into society.

What is the soldier's "office"? Is it nice and safe like an office in a city, reached by train? Is it clean and dry as opposed to the trenches lashed by rain? Might a soldier in the trenches of World War I (or any war) "dream" of baseball bats and picture shows and a nice job in an office, riding in a train to get there from a nice, safe, dry home? The soldier's job is no office and he doesn't get there on the Long Island Railroad or the train from

Greenwich into The City.