Question

asleep in the valley as an anti-war poem

Answer 1

The poem " Asleep in the valley'' is actually a war poem. The poet describes about a young soldier who is lying on the ground with innocence smile.

The soldier is on verge of death and bathed in sunlight.  Even the sunlight can't wake him as he died. 

Actually, the poet tries to describe the tragedy of war. He explains that war only destroys young lives. Casualties are only of wars.  This is why poet shows anger about war.

Answer 2

A young soldier sleeps by the side of a valley with an open mouth and a smile on his lips. At first sight, it appears as if he is fast asleep. Even the scorching sunrays and the humming insects cannot disturb him. However, on watching him closely, one can see that there are two red holes on the soldier’s side. After having been shot at by the war, it is revealed that the soldier’s sleep is eternal. In other words, he has lost his life in a war.

Through the poem, the poet tries to convey the message that a war does not bring anyone peace. It only causes tragedy and loss of lives. Anti-war scenarios are far more peaceful with very less or no casualties. The world would be a far better place if there are no wars.