1. War vs. Peace: The poem's central contrast is between the harsh realities of war and the serene beauty of nature. The trainees are learning to use a weapon, preparing for potential violence and death, while the descriptions of the gardens evoke a sense of tranquility and growth.
2. Structure vs. Freedom: The training process is highly structured and regimented, with the trainees being forced to learn specific names and functions. The gardens, on the other hand, represent a more natural, free-flowing world, with plants growing and changing according to their own rhythms.
3. Order vs. Disorder: The rifle is a tool of order, meant to impose control and precision. The gardens, however, are more chaotic and unpredictable, with their intricate details and vibrant colors.
4. Knowledge vs. Ignorance: The trainees are learning about the parts of the rifle, gaining technical knowledge. However, this knowledge is ultimately useless in the face of the larger mysteries of life and death, symbolized by the gardens.
5. Artificial vs. Natural: The rifle is a human creation, an artificial object designed for a specific purpose. The gardens are a product of nature, existing independently of human intervention.
6. The Mechanical vs. The Organic: The rifle is a machine, comprised of distinct parts with specific functions. The garden is an organic system where everything is interconnected and in constant flux.
These contrasts are woven throughout the poem, creating a complex tapestry of ideas that reflect the anxieties of war and the enduring power of nature.