The poem 'The Target' by Ivor Gurney reflects on the guilt and psychological trauma experienced by soldiers during World War I, a conflict characterized by trench warfare and significant loss. Gurney, who served in the Gloucestershire Regiment, grapples with themes of moral ambiguity and the dehumanizing effects of war. His personal experiences deeply influenced his writing, highlighting the struggles of soldiers faced with the brutal realities of combat.

1. Poem: ‘The
Target’ by Ivor
Gurney
Department of English
(MKBU)
Prepared by: Yashraj Sodha

2. Ivor Gurney
● Born: August 28, 1890
● Died: December 26, 1937
● Place of Birth: Gloucester,
England
● Occupation: Poet,
Composer
● Country: United Kingdom
● Contribution: Known for
war poetry and music
influenced by World War I.
(Boden)

3. Poem: The Target
I shot him, and it had to be
One of us 'Twas him or me.
'Couln't be helped' and none can blame
Me, for you would do the same
My mother, she cant sleep for fear
Of what might be a-happening here
To me. Perhaps it might be best
To die, and set her fears at rest
For worst is worst, and worry's done.
Perhaps he was the only son. . .
Yet God keeps still, and does not say
A word of guidance anyway.
Well, if they get me, first I'll find
That boy, and tell him all my mind,
And see who felt the bullet worst,
And ask his pardon,if I durst.
All's a tangle. Here's my job.
A man might rave, or shout, or sob;
And God He takes takes no sort of heed.
This is a bloody mess indeed.
(All Poetry)

4. Background of the
Poem
World War I Context:
● Lasted from 1914 to 1918, characterized by trench warfare and high
casualties.
● Soldiers endured harsh conditions: mud, disease, and constant enemy fire.
Gurney’s Military Service:
● Enlisted in 1915 with the Gloucestershire Regiment.
● Fought in major battles like the Somme, experiencing front-line combat
and the loss of comrades.
Personal Experiences:
● Gurney’s service led to psychological trauma, including symptoms of what
was then called "shell shock" (now PTSD).
● His experiences of guilt and the brutality of war profoundly influenced his
poetry, including "The Target." (Boden)

5. Themes:
● Guilt and Remorse
● The Dehumanization of War
● Moral Ambiguity
● Futility and Absurdity of War
● Psychological Trauma

6. References:
Boden, Anthony. “Biographical Outline of Ivor Gurney.” The Ivor
Gurney Society, 2007, ivorgurney.co.uk/biographical-outline/.
Accessed 31 Aug. 2024.
“The Target by Ivor Gurney.” By Ivor Gurney - Famous Poems,
Famous Poets. - All Poetry, allpoetry.com/The-Target . Accessed 31
Aug. 2024.

7. Thank You