Interpret the Poem: 'The General'

Read this short poem by Siegfried Sassoon.

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The General

‘Good-morning; good-morning!’ the General said 
When we met him last week on our way to the line. 
Now the soldiers he smiled at are most of ’em dead, 
And we’re cursing his staff for incompetent swine. 
‘He’s a cheery old card,’ grunted Harry to Jack
As they slogged up to Arras with rifle and pack.

But he did for them both by his plan of attack.

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Now answer the following questions on the poem. If you need to read it again as you go through the activity, you can click on the pink Help button.