A Soldier’s Wife Weeps

KAMALA WIJERATNE
• The poem reveals the sad and pathetic feelings of the woman after the burial of her dead
husband.
• The wife’s behaviour pattern after the death, her feelings, her ardent love, her concern,
her regard and her sincere affection for her husband.
• “Soldier’s Wife Weep” is a moving and powerful tribute to the sacrifices made by
soldiers and their families.
• The poem is a reminder of the human cost of war and the enduring impact it can have on
those left behind.
• The poem is written in free verse and makes use of enjambment and internal rhyme,
creating a rhythm that emphasizes the speaker’s sense of disorientation and confusion.
• The poem is written in a simple and straightforward language, yet it is filled with
powerful emotions that evoke sympathy and compassion from the reader.
• “Soldier’s Wife Weep” is a poignant portrayal of the pain and grief experienced by those
who have lost loved ones in war.
• Kamala Wijerathne’s use of simple language and vivid imagery captures the reader’s
heart and makes them empathize with the woman’s plight.
 Themes
 Grief
The poem deals with the emotions of loss, mourning, and grief after the death of a loved one.
 Memories
The speaker reminisces about their happy memories with their partner, which serve as a
reminder of what has been lost.
 Uncertainty
The poem touches upon the uncertainty and confusion that can accompany the loss of a loved
one, particularly in terms of the speaker’s future and how to move forward.
 Love
The poem portrays the strength of love between the speaker and their partner, even in the face
of adversity and loss.
 Tradition
The allusion to the Buddha and the hero’s burial with military honors
suggests a respect for cultural and religious traditions.
 Fate
The speaker questions the predictions made by horoscope readers,
which adds an element of fate and destiny to the poem.
 Loneliness
The speaker is left feeling isolated and alone after their partner’s death,
highlighting the theme of loneliness.
 Poetic Techniques
 Imagery
The poet uses vivid and descriptive language to paint a picture in the reader’s mind, such as the image of the sky
turning the color of charcoal and the scent of the giant palm.
 Repetition
The repetition of the phrase “I think” emphasizes the speaker’s uncertainty and confusion.
 Allusion
The mention of the Buddha and a hero’s burial with military honors alludes to cultural and religious traditions.
 Symbolism
The white wedding sari symbolizes the speaker’s marriage and the loss of her husband.
 Metaphor
The description of the years stretching like a road swaying through a desert is a metaphor for the speaker’s
loneliness and isolation.
• Simile
• Alliteration
 Special characteristics

• Traditional beliefs of religion – Buddhism preaches nothing for material

life but people expect materialistic support and follow traditional
customs.

• Bad omens - “the crow cried on the dead branch ”, “the sky coloured
over with the color of charcoal”, “drank deeply of the scent of giant
palm, “that had ominously broken in splendorous fragrant flower”

• Astrological predictions – “I had your horoscope read ad there”, “there

was no malefic”, “how wrong the horoscope readers were”