Here's a breakdown of the key subject matter:
* War's Brutality: The poem vividly depicts the horrors of the battlefield. The speaker encounters a dead soldier in a dream, a testament to the immense loss of life and the psychological impact of war.
* Death and the Afterlife: The poem grapples with the question of what happens after death. The speaker's encounter with the dead soldier raises questions about the nature of the afterlife and the possibility of communication with the deceased.
* Human Connection: Despite the stark realities of war, the poem emphasizes the shared humanity between soldiers on opposing sides. The speaker and the dead soldier find common ground in their experiences, highlighting the universal aspects of human suffering and the shared responsibility for the war.
* The Futility of War: The poem criticizes the senselessness of war and its devastating consequences. Both the speaker and the dead soldier recognize the futility of their actions and the pointless loss of life.
* The Power of Dreams: Dreams are portrayed as a powerful force that can connect the living with the dead and offer a glimpse into the inner world of the human psyche.
Ultimately, "Strange Meeting" is a haunting exploration of the human condition in the face of war, death, and the enduring power of human connection.