What does the rat symbolize in 'Break of Day in the Trenches'?

In "Break of Day in the Trenches" by Isaac Rosenberg, the rat symbolizes survival and the stark reality of life in the trenches during World War I. It represents the instinctual struggle for existence amidst the horrors of war, contrasting the nobility often associated with human conflict. The rat's presence highlights the degradation of humanity as soldiers grApple with their mortality and the absurdity of their situation. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder of the primal instincts that persist even in the face of human conflict.