The Generals
The Generals - meaning Summary
Excuses That Lead to War
Silverstein's short satirical poem follows Generals Clay and Gore, who profess boredom with war and consider skipping battle for a day at the beach. Small, imagined obstacles—a closed sea, fear of drowning, a torn bathing suit—lead them to reinterpret leisure as impossible and resume fighting. The poem lampoons how trivial fears and excuses perpetuate violence, ending darkly when both generals are killed by the very war they briefly sought to avoid.
Read Complete AnalysesSaid General Clay to General Gore, 'Oh must we fight this silly war? To kill and die is such a bore.' 'I quite agree,' said General Gore. Said General Gore to General Clay, 'We could go to the beach today And have some ice cream on the way.' 'A grand idea,' said General Clay. Said General Gore to General Clay, 'But what if the sea is closed today? And what if the sand's been blown away?' 'A dreadful thought,' said General Clay. Said General Gore to General Clay, 'I've always feared the ocean's spray, And we may drown!' 'It's true, we may. It chills my blood,' said General Clay. Said General Clay to General Gore, 'My bathing suit is slightly tore. We'd better go on with our war.' 'I quite agree,' said General Gore. Then General Clay charged General Gore As bullets flew and cannons roared. And now, alas! there is no more Of General Clay or General Gore.
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