Irish Nationalist Identity

The poem acts as a subtle and subversive criticism of British rule during World War I, and the role of Irish soldiers during this time. Ireland is mentioned directly in the title as well as in the fifth and sixth lines: “Kiltartan Cross” and “Kiltartan’s poor” (Lines 5, 6). The speaker makes it clear that he identifies as an Irishman rather than a British soldier, and specifically an Irishman tied to a particular region and people. This, it’s revealed, is the source of his inner conflict and sense of social and political distance. He clearly “[does] not love” the people he fights for (Line 4), and acknowledges the dehumanisation of the Irish fighters who enlist in the war. During this time, Irish identity was being slowly pressed out by the oppressive British rule. The war was a time of pivotal upheaval and change, and yet...