In Praise of War

World Literature

Response 4 Vol. B: Medieval Lyrics

In Praise War

The author’s inspiration came from the king of England, Henry the second and his sons. Bertran initially allied with the sons who were Henry the young king and Richard the lionhearted. Henry the Young King, one son of the king's son had a rebellious attitude towards his father. This explains the feelings that are expressed through different parts of the poem. In the beginning there is a joy that the author expresses for the fear that people feel when they see armored men approaching them. These men are there for a purpose of taking over the castle and hurting those occupying the castle. The author reflects the life of warfare in his poem and explains the accomplishment that he felt in instilling fear in others while in battle. Throughout the poem, he refers to the feelings that he felt throughout different scenarios that may be seen in war. Also, different maneuvers that occurred and may be possible.

In the poem, he refers on feelings of wanting to fight in the battle and how his men were fully dressed for battle. Henry the young king and the rebellion we're ready to take over his father’s castle. He was pleased of how men looked fearless for battle.

Summary

Bertran is impressed to know that the leader of a battle should be the first to attack. For the leader is a very important visual symbol to his men just before they go to battle. He can inspire his soldiers to fight to the till the end with a smile on their face. "For no man is worth a thing till he has given and gotten blow on blow." He is aware that most of his men will probably not return.  Bertran also enjoys the fear that is generated by his army people fall into ditches and of into the grass. He sees lances through bodies with the silk streamers waving in the wind. Bertran also tells kings and queens to pawn their castles in order to fund the ritual of war. There has been peace for too long.