Essay: "Weapons Training" by Bruce Dawe

The journey that is taken in Weapons Training is the commander teaching the new recruits. At the beginning of the poem, the first word that is used is “And”, which is a conjunctive word suggesting that the journey that is being undertaken has already begun.  Dawe uses spaces to fasten the pace in which the poem is read, suggesting an idea of the urgency of this journey of training that needs to be undertaken. The urgency is explored through the use of graphic imagery such as “to hold off with a burst from your trusty weapon”. The use of sexual imagery creates a sense of fear in the recruits, further suggesting the notion of urgency and immediacy.


The journey can also be seen through the reader as they gain an insight into military ways. The audience is presented with a commander who belittles these new recruits “you at the back row with the unsightly fat between your ears”. Dawe highlight to the audience that it is not unusual in the military for demeaning language to be used. As the audience progress on their journey, they are presented with several scenarios that are both graphic and revealing “your tripes are round your neck”. The use of graphical imagery confronts the audience that the journey the recruits will be undertaking is one that is dangerous and life-threatening. The audience realises the horrendous nature of journeys with Dawe creating insight into the reader.


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