idealisation of war Flashcards
para 1 - overview
In The Soldier, Rupert Brooke idealizes war by portraying it as a noble and honorable sacrifice. He presents the soldier’s death as a spiritual act that enriches the land and brings eternal glory. The soldier’s sacrifice is seen as a patriotic duty, elevating the act of dying for one’s country to something pure and meaningful. This romanticized view reflects the belief at the time that war was a righteous cause, with soldiers achieving honor and immortality through their sacrifice.
para 2 - “some corner of a foreign field that is forever England”
The phrase “some corner of a foreign field that is forever England” can also be interpreted as a form of nationalism that Brooke elevates to a near-religious level. The image of England becoming “forever” present in a foreign land gives the sense that the country’s influence and essence transcend geographic boundaries. It reinforces the idea that by sacrificing oneself for the country, one contributes to its immortality. This concept of idealized patriotism suggests that the soldier’s life is not just lost but transformed into something that enhances the very identity of England. In the context of the First World War, this idea reflects the widespread belief in a just cause and the glory of sacrificing oneself for the nation.
para 3 - “A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware”
Furthermore, Brooke’s description of the soldier’s relationship with England in “A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware” invokes a sense of unity between the soldier and his homeland. The phrase “England bore” suggests that England is both the nurturer and protector of its people, a notion that enhances the idea of the soldier as a loyal son of the nation. The words “shaped” and “made aware” suggest that the soldier’s purpose and sense of duty are crafted by England itself. This elevates the soldier’s role in the war, making it seem as though fighting is an inevitable and natural outcome of their relationship with England. By idealizing the soldier’s sense of belonging and duty, Brooke makes the act of war seem preordained and honorable.
para 4 - “richer dust”
The phrase “richer dust” also carries deeper symbolic meaning. On one hand, it refers to the idea that the soldier’s body, when buried in a foreign land, enhances the earth in a spiritual or moral sense. The adjective “richer” suggests that the sacrifice of the soldier is not just physical but also imbues the land with something of greater value, as though the soil becomes infused with the soldier’s nobility. This further romanticizes death in war as something that transforms both the individual and the land. In the broader context of World War I, which was often called “The Great War,” many soldiers believed that their deaths would have a larger, positive impact on the world—this is captured in Brooke’s depiction of death as something that leaves behind a legacy.
para 5 - “A body of England’s, breathing English air,”
In the second stanza of The Soldier, Rupert Brooke continues to idealize war, presenting it as a noble and almost sacred act. He writes, “A body of England’s, breathing English air,” which personifies England, suggesting that the soldier’s physical being is inseparable from the nation. This imagery connects the soldier’s identity to England, making his death feel like a natural and righteous part of his duty. The use of “breathing English air” emphasizes the soldier’s deep connection to his homeland, implying that even in death, he will be part of the land he fought to protect. It also conveys a sense of peace, as if the soldier is returning to a place where he truly belongs. This idealizes the notion of sacrifice for one’s country, making death in battle feel noble and purposeful.
para 6 -this heart, all evil shed away”
Brooke also uses “this heart, all evil shed away” to suggest that dying for England purifies the soldier. The phrase “all evil shed away” employs the metaphor of cleansing, implying that the soldier’s sacrifice removes any moral blemish, elevating his death to something virtuous. This idealization of war reflects the romanticized view of battle at the time, where soldiers believed they were part of a righteous cause. The use of “heart” emphasizes the emotional and spiritual aspects of this sacrifice, suggesting that it is not just the soldier’s body that is serving the nation, but his soul as well. The metaphor of purification also connects to religious imagery, implying that the soldier is being spiritually redeemed by his death. This idea of purity and redemption glorifies the act of dying for one’s country and reflects the widespread belief in the honor of wartime sacrifice during World War I.
para 7 - “richer dust concealed”
Finally, the phrase “richer dust concealed” uses “dust” as a metaphor for the soldier’s body, implying that his remains will enrich the land of England. The adjective “richer” suggests that the soldier’s sacrifice makes the earth more valuable, almost as if his death adds to the nation’s greatness. This enhances the romanticization of war by presenting the soldier’s death as something that contributes to the greater good of the nation. The metaphor of “richer dust” also links to the idea of immortality, as the soldier’s body, once buried, is not lost but becomes a part of something eternal—England itself. This reflects the idea that the soldier’s legacy will live on, glorifying his death and suggesting that the ultimate sacrifice is worthwhile for the preservation of national pride.
para 8 -structure
The structure of The Soldier by Rupert Brooke plays a significant role in idealizing war and sacrifice. Written as a Petrarchan sonnet, the poem uses a form traditionally reserved for love and beauty, which elevates the soldier’s death to something noble and sacred. The shift, or volta, between the eighth and ninth lines marks a change in focus from the soldier’s physical connection to England to a more spiritual view of his sacrifice, portraying it as an act of purification and redemption. The regular rhyme scheme and smooth rhythm further emphasize this sense of order and harmony, contrasting with the chaos of war and presenting death for one’s country as peaceful and honorable. The poem’s conclusion, with its reference to an “English heaven,” suggests that the soldier’s death is not just patriotic but transcends to a higher, peaceful state, reinforcing the idealization of sacrifice. Through its structured form, the poem presents death in battle as a beautiful, spiritual act, elevating the harsh reality of war into something meaningful and glorious.
para 9 - conclusion
In conclusion, The Soldier by Rupert Brooke strongly idealizes war, presenting it as a noble, pure, and even spiritual act. Through the use of elevated language, idealized imagery, and a structured sonnet form, the poem portrays the soldier’s sacrifice as a glorified and meaningful contribution to England. By focusing on the purity and honor of dying for one’s country, Brooke’s portrayal contrasts sharply with the brutal realities of war, offering a romanticized view that reflects the beliefs of many during World War I. Ultimately, the poem suggests that war, while tragic, can also be seen as a way to achieve eternal peace and national glory.
