They throw in Drummer Hodge, to rest / Uncoffined–just as found.”
-- Speaker (Lines 1 – 2)

Importance: These lines that open “Drummer Hodge” are establish early on the dehumanizing nature of warfare. Hodge’s corpse is treated without dignity despite his personal sacrifice, and object simply “[thrown] in … to rest / Uncoffined–just as found.” The “They” that is responsible for Hodge’s undignified burial is similarly stripped of humanity and individuality. Since “They” is the first word of the poem, causing who exactly the third-person pronoun represents to be unclear, those responsible for Hodge’s death gain a quality of anonymity. “They” also signifies a kind of collective responsibility since its anonymity means it could stand for anyone.

Young Hodge the Drummer never knew– / Fresh from his Wessex home– / The meaning of the broad Karoo.”
-- Speaker (Lines 7 – 9)

Importance: These lines depict the clash between pre-industrial, provincial countryside life as embodied by “Young Hodge the Drummer … Fresh from his Wessex...