Munition Wages
By Madeline Ida Bedford
Earning high wages?
Yus, Five quid a week.
A woman, too, mind you,
I call it dim sweet.Ye’are asking some questions,
But bless yer, here goes:
I spends the whole racket
On good times and clothes.Me saving? Elijah!
Yer do think I’m mad.
I’m acting the lady,
But I ain’t living bad.I’m having life’s good times.
See ‘ere, it’s like this:
The ‘oof come o’ danger,
A touch-and-go bizz.We’re all here today, mate,
Tomorrow, perhaps dead,
If Fate tumbles on us
And blows up our shed.Afraid! Are yer kidding?
With money to spend!
Years back I wore tatters,
Now, silk stockings, mi friend!I’ve bracelets and jewellery,
Rings envied by friends;
A sergeant to swank with,
And something to lend.I drive out in taxis,
Do theatres in style.
And this is mi verdict,
It is jolly worth while.Worth while, for tomorrow
If I’m blown to the sky,
I’ll have repaid mi wages in death, and pass by.
Summary of Munition Wages
- Popularity of “Munition Wages”: The poem “Munition Wages” was written by Madeline Ida Bedford, a British poet, during the First World War. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of women who worked in munitions factories. First published in her 1917 collection, The Young Captain and Other Poems, it also appeared in the magazine The Farewell Souvenir at the same time, demonstrating its immediate resonance with contemporary audiences. The poem presents a woman speaking candidly about the satisfaction she derives from her wages.
- “Munition Wages” as a Representative of Gender Pride: The poem begins with a direct, almost confrontational question about her earnings, to which the woman responds proudly, stating she earns five quid a week, a substantial sum for the time. She continues by describing how she spends her money on pleasures and fine clothes. When questioned about saving, she dismisses the idea, asserting she is living life to the fullest. She embraces the present, acknowledging the inherent danger of her work, the ever‑present threat of an explosion, but refusing to let it dim her enjoyment of life. The poem’s speaker has transformed her circumstances, moving from rags to silk stockings and acquiring possessions she once only dreamed of.
- Major Themes in “Munition Wages”: Empowerment of women, celebration of life, and a defiant embrace of the present moment are central themes in the poem. Told in a one‑sided dialogue, the poem highlights the power of financial independence for women. The speaker is confident, unapologetic, and determined to enjoy the fruits of her labor. The poem showcases a woman who is not merely surviving but thriving, finding joy and meaning in a world often defined by hardship and uncertainty.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used In Munition Wages
- Assonance: Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds within words, adds a musical quality to the poem. Notice the repetition of the short “i” sound in lines like “I call it dim sweet” and the long “a” sound in “I’m having life’s good times.” These subtle repetitions create a sense of rhythm and flow, enhancing the overall auditory experience of the poem.
- Alliteration: The poem uses alliteration, the repetition of initial consonant sounds, to emphasize certain phrases and create a particular effect. For example, the repetition of the “s” sound in “silk stockings” draws attention to the speaker’s newfound luxury and status.
- Consonance: Consonance, the repetition of consonant sounds within words, is also present throughout the poem. Consider the repetition of the “s” sound in “Ye’are asking some questions” and the combination of “t” and “s” in “If Fate tumbles on us.” These consonant clusters create a sense of texture and reinforce the poem’s themes.
- Enjambment: Enjambment, the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause, is skillfully employed to create a sense of momentum and flow. Consider these lines:
We’re all here today, mate,
Tomorrow, perhaps dead,
If Fate tumbles on us
And blows up our shed.The lack of punctuation at the end of the first three lines compels the reader to move seamlessly to the next, mirroring the precariousness of life for those working in munitions factories.
- Imagery: Bedford uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the speaker’s life. Phrases like “tattered rags” and “silk stockings” create a stark contrast, highlighting the speaker’s transformation. The image of a potential explosion creates a sense of immediacy and danger.
- Metaphor: The poem uses the metaphor of fate as an external force that can topple our lives at any moment.
- Rhetorical Question: The poem opens with a rhetorical question – “Earning high wages?” – inviting the reader to engage with the speaker’s perspective. This technique establishes a direct connection between the speaker and the audience.
- Symbolism: The poem is rich in symbolism. “Tatters” symbolize poverty and hardship, while “silk stockings,” “bracelets,” and “jewelry” represent wealth and empowerment. These symbols underscore the speaker’s transformation and her newfound sense of agency.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in Munition Wages
- Diction and Tone: The poem’s diction is colloquial and informal, mirroring the speaker’s working‑class background. Words like “mate” and “yus” create a sense of authenticity and immediacy. The tone is confident, unapologetic, and even defiant.
- Rhyme Scheme: The poem employs an ABCB rhyme scheme, contributing to its musicality and flow. While not a strict or rigid scheme, it provides a subtle structure that enhances the overall reading experience.
- Stanza: The poem is structured into nine stanzas, each consisting of four lines. This consistent structure provides a framework for the speaker’s narrative and allows for a focused exploration of her thoughts and feelings.
Quotes to be Used
These lines from “Munition Wages” are appropriate to quote when discussing the significance of women’s empowerment:
I’ve bracelets and jewellery,
Rings envied by friends;
A sergeant to swank with,
And something to lend.
These lines symbolize the speaker’s newfound confidence, financial independence, and ability to enjoy the fruits of her labor. They represent a significant departure from her previous circumstances and demonstrate her triumph over adversity.