Introduction: “The War Prayer”
The theme of “The War Prayer” revolves around the cruelty of imperialistic forces and the ensuing consequences depicted through the portrayal of harsh prayers in what should be a peaceful environment. It delves into the imperialistic ambitions of Americans at the beginning of the 20th century, specifically referencing the Philippine-American War that occurred from 1899 to 1902. The poet employs an ironic tone to highlight the paradox of individuals praying for destruction within the sacred confines of a church—a space traditionally associated with true peace. The setting of the poem adds another layer of irony, prompting readers to question the nature of the prayers being offered. What, exactly, do the people pray for in this seemingly serene setting? The speaker’s identity remains undisclosed, while the narrative unfolds through the interactions between two characters: a mysterious stranger and a priest. Their dialogue and actions contribute to the overarching irony, creating a nuanced exploration of the consequences of imperialistic fervor.
In terms of its title, the poem skillfully encapsulates the essence of religious zeal during times of war. The choice of words not only evokes the fervent spiritual atmosphere surrounding conflict but also alludes to the paradoxical nature of invoking divine intervention for destructive purposes.
Patriotism in “The War Prayer”
The poet initiates the narrative with an emotional and poetic exploration of the community’s patriotism during wartime. The compatriots are depicted as cheering, drums beating, and “the bands playing, the toy pistols popping” (Twain). Additionally, he goes on to illustrate that “the church was filled; the volunteers were there” (Twain). However, the speaker appears to take a critical stance towards imperialism, characterizing them as callous and cold, particularly in their prayers for victory and the protection of their soldiers.
War Prayers in “The War Prayer”
Subsequently, the speaker delves into the genuine war prayers throughout the remainder of the poem, offering an explanation for the potential negativity or positivity inherent in such supplications. The objective is to awaken people to the injustice they unwittingly support. A mysterious figure enters the scene, articulating how prayers, while bestowing blessings upon some, may inadvertently bring curses upon others: “If you beseech a blessing upon yourself, beware! lest without intent you invoke a curse upon a neighbor at the same time” (Twain).
As the narrative unfolds, the speaker concludes that the prayers directed to the Almighty may take a sinister turn, proving unfortunate for certain Christians. This is because a war prayer inherently carries with it the fervent wish that God would annihilate the opposing side.
Structure of “The War Prayer”
The poem adopts the form of a prose poem or short story, devoid of traditional stanzas and rhyme schemes. Nevertheless, it incorporates elements of internal rhyme, as exemplified by the use of words such as “ignorantly, silently, and victory” (Twain).
Style of “The War Prayer”
The style is ironic, elucidated through the effective use of purposefully chosen words and powerful, connotative diction. The poet employs symbols, with the priest representing pro-imperialism and the stranger embodying anti-imperialism. Additionally, alliteration is skillfully incorporated in various lines, as seen in “exalting excitement,” “war, was,” and “glad and gracious” (Twain).
Works Cited
Twain, Mark. “The War Prayer.” n.d. Poetry Foundation. Web. Accessed 22 Nov. 2014.
Three Relevant Questions about “The War Prayer”
- “The War Prayer” and Irony: How does the poem employ irony as a literary device to convey its message about the consequences of war prayers?
- Symbolism in “The War Prayer”: What is the significance of the symbols used in the poem, particularly the characters of the priest and the stranger, in conveying the poet’s perspective on imperialism?
- Stylistic Devices in “The War Prayer”: How does Mark Twain use stylistic elements such as alliteration to enhance the impact of the poem and contribute to the overall tone and message?
