This poem is in the public domain. Thomas Hardy, whose books include Tess of the d’Urbervilles and Jude the Obscure , was one of the most influential novelists and poets of England’s Victorian era.

A poem set in the Second Boer War, it tells the story of a drummer boy who may have been as young as ten. Children were recruited from orphanages or from desperately poor homes where it would...

‘Drummer Hodge’ is one such poem, a story about events long passed that are still worth thinking about — because war is an unfortunate reality even now. Hardy had a way of writing that captured the powerful emotions and heartbreaking realities of …

The best Drummer Hodge study guide on the planet. The fastest way to understand the poem's meaning, themes, form, rhyme scheme, meter, and poetic devices.

The second Boer War poem, 'Drummer Hodge', actually uses words that come from the Boer settlers in South Africa: kopje meaning a small hill; veldt meaning open unenclosed country; and Karoo, meaning barren plateau.

This poem is set in South Africa during the Second Boer War (October 1899 – May 1902). Hardy heard that a local Dorset drummer boy had died in the war, and was

May 13, 2011 · They throw in Drummer Hodge, to rest Uncoffined -- just as found: His landmark is a kopje-crest That breaks the veldt around: And foreign constellations west Each night above his mound. Young Hodge the drummer never knew --Fresh from his Wessex home --The meaning of the broad Karoo, The Bush, the dusty loam, And why uprose to nightly view ...

Drummer Hodge. I. They throw in Drummer Hodge, to rest Uncoffined—just as found: His landmark is a kopje-crest That breaks the veldt around; And foreign constellations west Each night above his mound. II. Young Hodge the Drummer never knew— Fresh from his Wessex home— The meaning of the broad Karoo, The Bush, the dusty loam, And why ...

The intention of this page is to take a closer look at his most celebrated poem from that era, Drummer Hodge. Examining the poem in some detail will provide some clues as to Hardy’s thoughts on war and humanity in general.

Your little white boy clothes, As I sit here and stare. My little drummer boy, Playing with your drum set, I knew you were as adorable, As the first time we met. The cutest body you have, With a little bit of chubbyness, Your hugs are like a teddy bear, Your smile I can never miss. My little drummer boy, Playing with your drum set,