The poem "Dreamers" ends with the image of a man going to an office by train. Why did Sassoon choose to end the poem with this image? Support your answer with direct quotes as evidence from the poem. Student responses are not required.
Sassoon chose to end the poem "Dreamers" with the image of a man going to an office by train to highlight the stark contrast between the dreams and desires of the soldiers and the mundane reality they face when they return from war.
One of the direct quotes that supports this interpretation is: "John bullocks him 'Jim's never the same:/Booze doesn't interest him any more;/He's satisfied with his little job and his wife.'" Here, Sassoon depicts how soldiers like Jim, who were once filled with dreams and aspirations, have now settled for a mundane job and a domestic life. This highlights their disillusionment and the loss of their heroic status.
Another quote that supports this conclusion is: "And someone flung his knees sprawled out on a step." This line suggests that the soldiers, who were once revered and respected, are now reduced to mere objects on a train platform. It signifies their loss of significance and the nonchalant attitude of society towards them after war.
Furthermore, the closing lines of the poem, "He'll never write again," also reinforce this interpretation. This suggests that the soldier has lost not only his dreams but also his ability to express himself and share his experiences. This loss of voice and agency further emphasizes the contrast between his former life as a dreamer and his current reality.
Overall, Sassoon chose to end the poem with the image of a man going to an office by train to convey the harsh reality and disillusionment that soldiers face when they return from war, contrasting it with the dreams and aspirations they once held.