Joining+the+Colours

== =‘Joining the Colours’= =Katherine Tynan Hinkson=

The poem tells of a regiment of soldiers leaving Dublin to fight in France. Written from a female perspective, the poem juxtaposes (directly contrasts) images of the innocent naivety of the young soldiers with images of death. The poet speaks of the sad realization that the love felt for these men by the women left at home “cannot save” the soldiers from their uncertain futures and likely deaths.

THINKING POINTS

 * 1) Compare this poem to “The Send-Off” which is also about men going off to die. Look at:
 * Settings
 * Verse forms
 * Standpoint of both poets
 * Each poet’s feelings
 * Patterns of imagery
 * Your own response to the poems
 * Use of contrast


 * Useful Quotations & Explanations:**

-**"Too careless-gay for courage, singing they go into the dark."** Their too happy for courage & they're singing ready for their Death.

-**"Foolish and young, the gay and golden boys love cannot save."** The boys are naive & love cannot save them from their Death.