These Fought In Any Case by Ezra Pound — Analysis & Translation

Original Poem

These Fought In Any Case These fought in any case, and some believing pro domo, in any case….. Some quick to arm, some for adventure, some from fear of weakness, some from fear of censure, some for love of slaughter, in imagination, learning later ... Died some, pro patria, walked eye-deep in hell believing in old men's lies, then unbelieving came home, home to a lie, home to many deceits, home to old lies and new infamy; usury age-old and age-thick and liars in public places. Daring as never before, wastage as never before. Young blood and high blood, fair cheeks, and fine bodies; fortitude as never before frankness as never before, disillusions as never told in the old days, hysterias, trench confessions, laughter out of dead bellies.

Translation (English)

These fought no matter what, and some believing for their own benefit, no matter what..... Some were quick to take up arms, some for thrill, some out of fear of being seen as weak, some out of fear of being judged, some for the love of killing, in their imagination, learning later ... Some died for their homeland, walked deeply into hell believing in the lies of old men, then stopped believing came home, home to a falsehood, home to many lies, home to old lies and new disgrace; ancient and thick usury and liars in public offices. Bravery as never before, waste as never before. Young blood and noble blood, beautiful faces, and strong bodies; courage as never before honesty as never before, disappointments as never told in the past, panic, trench confessions, laughter from dead bodies.

About the Poet

Ezra Pound (Early 20th century, Modernist)

Ezra Pound was an American poet and critic, a major figure in the early modernist poetry movement. He was known for developing Imagism and was influential in shaping the work of contemporaries like T.S. Eliot and James Joyce. His later years were marked by controversial political views and activities during World War II.

Historical Context

Literary Form: Free verse
When Written: Post-World War I
Background: The poem was written as a response to World War I, reflecting on the sacrifices of veterans and their disillusionment upon returning to a corrupt society. It contrasts the courage and honesty of wartime with the deceit and moral decay found in peacetime society.

Sources: https://www.poetryverse.com/ezra-pound-poems/these-fought-in-any-case, https://internetpoem.com/ezra-pound/these-fought-in-any-case-poem/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezra_Pound

Detailed Explanation

Ezra Pound's poem 'These Fought In Any Case' reflects on the experiences and disillusionment of soldiers who fought in World War I. The poem begins by acknowledging the various motivations that drove individuals to war, such as adventure, fear, and a misguided love of violence. It then transitions to the harsh realities faced by soldiers, who, after enduring the horrors of war, return home to find themselves surrounded by lies and corruption. The poem critiques the societal structures that perpetuate deceit and exploitation, highlighting the contrast between the bravery and honesty exhibited during wartime and the moral decay found in peacetime. The imagery of 'young blood' and 'fair cheeks' serves to emphasize the tragic loss of youth and potential, while the mention of 'trench confessions' and 'laughter out of dead bellies' underscores the profound psychological impact of war. Overall, the poem is a poignant commentary on the futility and betrayal experienced by those who served, as well as a critique of the societal systems that fail them upon their return.

Themes

Literary Devices

Word Dictionary

Word	Meaning	Translation	Transliteration
pro domo	for one's own cause	acting in one's own interest	pro doh-mo
pro patria	for the country	in service of the nation	pro pah-tree-ah
usury	lending at high interest	charging excessive interest on loans	yoo-suh-ree
infamy	disgrace	shameful reputation	in-fuh-mee
fortitude	courage	strength in facing adversity	for-ti-tood
frankness	honesty	openness and sincerity	frangk-ness
disillusions	loss of belief	realizing the truth about something false	dis-il-loo-zhuhns
hysterias	uncontrolled emotions	extreme emotional reactions	his-teer-ee-uhs
censure	criticism	strong disapproval	sen-shur