Poem Analysis - To E T

A Lament for Lost Camaraderie

Robert Frost's "To E.T." is a poignant elegy, a lament for a fallen friend and fellow poet. The poem is steeped in regret and longing, as the speaker grapples with the unspoken words and unrealized potential of a relationship cut short by war. The tone is initially intimate and reflective, almost dreamlike, but it shifts to one of frustrated resignation and ultimately, a lingering sorrow that the victory feels hollow without his friend's presence. The poem explores themes of loss, the impact of war, and the enduring power of friendship.

The Shadow of the Great War

This poem is directly influenced by the devastating impact of World War I. The poem directly references E.T.'s death at Vimy Ridge, a brutal battle fought in France. This historical context is crucial, as it provides the backdrop for the speaker's grief and the sense that the war claimed not only lives but also potential and shared experiences. Frost, writing in the aftermath of the war, captures the profound disillusionment and the lingering pain of those who were left behind to grapple with the losses. The poem echoes the sentiments of many who struggled to find meaning in the face of such widespread devastation.

Unspoken Words and Enduring Friendship

One of the poem's central themes is the burden of unspoken words. The speaker expresses regret that "nothing should remain unsaid between us, brother, and this remained—/And one thing more that was not then to say." This suggests a deep bond and an understanding that was never fully articulated, leaving the speaker with a sense of incompleteness and lingering remorse. This also reinforces the theme of enduring friendship. The speaker's act of sleeping with E.T.'s poems and wanting to speak to his deceased friend underscores the strength of their connection and the profound impact of his loss. Even in death, the speaker seeks connection and validation from his friend.

The Paradox of Victory

The poem grapples with the paradox of victory, a common theme in post-World War I literature. The lines "The Victory for what it lost and gained" encapsulate this sentiment. While the Allied forces achieved victory, the speaker questions its true worth without E.T.'s presence to share in it. The "Victory" is tainted by loss, suggesting that some things are irretrievable, even in triumph. The speaker questions the point of celebrating victory "if I was not to speak of it to you / And see you pleased once more with words of mine?" The victory feels hollow and incomplete without the opportunity to share it with his friend.

Symbolism of Dove Wings and Embrace of Fire

The poem utilizes striking imagery to convey its themes. The "dove wings on a figure on a tomb" is a particularly evocative image. The dove, often a symbol of peace, juxtaposed with the tomb, suggests a longing for peace and an acknowledgment of death's finality. It also represents the fragility and beauty of life, which is easily extinguished by war. Conversely, the "shell’s embrace of fire" is a powerful and chilling image of death in war. It highlights the brutal and impersonal nature of combat, reducing a human life to a statistic. The "embrace" is disturbingly intimate, suggesting a forced and violent union with death.

A Lingering Sense of Loss

In conclusion, "To E.T." is a deeply personal and moving poem that explores the profound impact of war on individual lives and relationships. Frost masterfully conveys the speaker's grief, regret, and lingering sense of loss through vivid imagery and a reflective tone. The poem questions the true meaning of victory in the face of such devastating loss and highlights the enduring power of friendship in the face of mortality. Ultimately, the poem serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of cherishing the bonds we have with one another. The final lines suggest that grief transforms over time, becoming less acute, but never entirely disappearing.