What is meant by "mockeries" in line 5 of the poem "Anthem for Doomed Youth"?

Anthem for Doomed Youth

by Wilfred Owen



What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?

Only the monstrous anger of the guns.

Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle

Can patter out their hasty orisons.

No mockeries for them; no prayers nor bells,

Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs, -

The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells;

And bugles calling for them from sad shires.



What candles may be held to speed them all?

Not in the hands of boys, but in their eyes

Shall shine the holy glimmers of good-byes.

The pallor of girls' brows shall be their pall;

Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds,

And each slow dusk a drawing



thanks for any help

What is meant by "mockeries" in line 5 of the poem "Anthem for Doomed Youth"?
The term "mockeries" suggests a play. In essence, no one is going to write a play about your brave deeds on the battle field.



A mocker is one who imitates. Actors were referred to as mockers in Elizabethan times.

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