What passing-bells for these who die as cattle? Only the monstrous anger of the guns. Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle Can patter out their hasty orisons. No mockeries now for them; no ...

The context in which a poem was written can sometimes tell you more about its themes, message and meaning. Some questions you might ask include: Are aspects of the poet’s life reflected in the poem?

Anthem for Doomed Youth describes memorial tributes to the soldiers who die in war. The poem ironically compares the sounds of war to the choirs and bells which usually sound at funerals.