Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Stentor and Mourning" by Alan Dugan is a poignant exploration of the emotional and psychological landscapes of soldiers during wartime. Through vivid imagery and references to classical mythology, Dugan delves into the complex interplay of fear, duty, and individual agency in the context of war. The poem oscillates between the personal experiences of the soldiers and the overarching societal and mythical narratives that shape these experiences.

The poem begins with a serene but uneasy Sunday, "calm and airy but artillery over the hill made us too nervous to like it." This juxtaposition of peace with the distant yet imminent threat of violence sets the tone for the internal conflicts that follow. The ordinary act of a soldier shaving using his helmet as a bowl captures the makeshift, transient nature of life at the front, hinting at both resourcefulness and the constant presence of danger.

Dugan effectively conveys the pervasive "diarrhea of fear" that afflicts the soldiers, a metaphor for the uncontrollable and often irrational fears that permeate their existence. This fear is contrasted with concerns over remarks—verbal judgments from others—which paradoxically seem more daunting than the physical dangers of war. This insight into the soldiers' psyche reveals a deep-seated anxiety about reputation and judgment, even in the face of potential mutilation.

The soldier's vow to adopt "a rule of disobedience as the bravest way" after the war suggests a rebellion against the rigid military hierarchy and imposed valor. However, the reality of military life, embodied in the "captain's football voice, bully as acne and athlete's foot," portrays authority as both invasive and inescapable, likening it to uncomfortable and unwanted afflictions.

Dugan draws on the figure of Stentor from Greek mythology—known for his loud voice—to symbolize the overpowering and rallying cry of authority that can spur men to fight. The reference to Hera using Stentor's voice to rally the Greeks "not for Helen and souvenirs or even the gods' graces, but for Greek good opinion" emphasizes the social pressures and the communal expectations placed on soldiers. This allusion starkly frames the personal sacrifices of soldiers within the context of societal and cultural valorization of war.

The poem shifts to reflect on the personal motivations that drive soldiers, suggesting that beyond any ideological or patriotic impetus, many fight for immediate, personal reasons such as "a buddy's safety or for vengeance for his death." Yet, Dugan suggests a deeper, more introspective motivation: a secret fear about their own country's power and the implications of their role in its assertion.

The figures of Patroklos and Achilles are evoked to explore the dual possibilities of anonymity and heroism in war—Patroklos who dies in place of Achilles, and Achilles who withdraws in a personal grievance, highlighting the complex interplay of personal desires and heroic narratives. The "approved early death" under "the national aegis" captures the tragic irony of war, where individual actions are both subsumed and glorified by national interests.

In conclusion, "Stentor and Mourning" is a reflective and critical look at the internal and external forces that govern the lives of soldiers. Through classical references and stark imagery, Alan Dugan offers a nuanced critique of the psychological burdens borne by those in combat, questioning the cost of military obedience and the true nature of bravery.

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