Those that I fight I do not hate, / Those that I guard I do not love
-- Speaker (Lines 3-4)

Importance: This line is one of several examples of anaphora in the poem: lines that use repeating opening words or phrases to create rhythm and, in many cases, juxtaposition. In this moment, the speaker upends the reader’s expectation by stating that neither love nor hatred drives them to join the battle. This creates suspense in the narrative and gives new dimension to the thoughts and isolation of the speaker.

A lonely impulse of delight / Drove to this tumult in the clouds
-- Speaker (Lines 11-12)

Importance: This line signals a subtle turn in language, from the concrete and monosyllabic to the more lyric and imaginary. The words “impulse” and “tumult” are near-rhymes, having rhythmic assonance and consonance in common. At this moment, the speaker takes a more internal view that directs attention away from the war and the wider...