national identity Flashcards
para 1 - overview
In The Soldier, the theme of national identity is central, exploring the deep connection between the individual and their country. The speaker sees England not just as a homeland, but as an essential part of who they are, shaping their identity and purpose. The poem portrays England as a source of beauty, strength, and nobility, something worth dying for. National identity is tied to loyalty and sacrifice, with the speaker’s death in battle seen as an offering to their country, ensuring their identity lives on within it. The poem reflects the patriotic sentiment of World War I, where soldiers viewed their service as a noble duty for the greater good of the nation.
para 2 - If I should die, think only this of me,”
The opening line, “If I should die, think only this of me,” immediately presents the idea that the speaker’s death is not a private matter but a national one. The verb “think” invites the reader to reflect on the soldier’s passing in terms of its national importance. This shifts the focus from individual loss to a collective, patriotic view. The speaker, aware of his possible fate in war, requests that his death be understood through the lens of his commitment to England. This sets the tone for the rest of the stanza, where the soldier’s identity and sacrifice become symbolic of national loyalty
para 3 - “That there’s some corner of a foreign field that is forever England,”
The phrase “That there’s some corner of a foreign field that is forever England,” further solidifies the speaker’s view that his national identity is inseparable from his connection to his homeland. The use of “corner” implies that even a small piece of foreign land can be claimed for England, emphasizing that no matter where the soldier dies, that piece of land will always carry the essence of England with it. The word “forever” strengthens this sense of permanence, suggesting that the soldier’s identity and sacrifice will endure beyond his physical life. By intertwining his death with the land, Brooke highlights how patriotism is not just about defending one’s country but also about symbolically extending one’s nation to other parts of the world. This notion reflects the idealized view of British nationalism during World War I, where soldiers were seen as martyrs, and their deaths were believed to preserve the glory of the nation.
para 4 -“And laughter, learned of friends; and gentleness … under an English heaven”
The line “And laughter, learned of friends; and gentleness … under an English heaven” further extends the soldier’s national identity by linking England to qualities of peace, friendship, and gentleness. By associating “laughter” and “gentleness” with England, Brooke paints the country as a place of warmth and safety, a contrast to the brutal realities of war. The word “learned” suggests that these qualities are instilled in the soldier by his home, reinforcing the idea that national identity is shaped by the land and culture. The phrase “under an English heaven” also uses religious imagery to elevate England to an almost divine status. This personifies England as a nurturing and protective force, something that not only provides physical sustenance but also offers moral and spiritual guidance. The idea of “an English heaven” implies that England represents an idealized space of peace and purity, reinforcing the view that national identity is synonymous with virtuous qualities.
para 5 - “A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware,”
“A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware,” is rich in its significance. The use of “dust” here is interesting because it alludes to the biblical notion that humans are made from dust (“for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return”), suggesting the soldier’s life is both fragile and sacred. By saying that England “bore” and “shaped” him, Brooke conveys the idea that England is the source of the speaker’s existence, identity, and purpose. The imagery of being shaped by the country reflects the importance of national identity in forming one’s character. At the time, England was seen as the “mother country,” and the notion of being “shaped” implies a nurturing, protective role, making England essential to the speaker’s being. This idea of England being foundational to the speaker’s life is reinforced by the context of the poem, where soldiers were often encouraged to fight for the glory and survival of the nation, seeing their own identities as intertwined with national pride.
para 6 - “Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day.”
“Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day.” The use of pronoun “her” personifies England, giving it a maternal and comforting presence. By describing England’s sights and sounds as “happy as her day”, Brooke paints a picture of a peaceful, idealized England—full of beauty and contentment. The word “dreams” also suggests that the speaker’s vision of England is not just real but aspirational. England is depicted as a place of purity and goodness, which contributes to the speaker’s sense of national identity. This idealized view of England is further solidified by the context of the poem, written during a time when British patriotism was at its peak, and many soldiers felt a deep connection to the notion of defending their home, believing it represented the best of civilization. This reflects a common sentiment in the early stages of World War I, when soldiers were filled with a sense of duty and hope for a victorious future for their nation.
para 7 - this heart, all evil shed away A pulse in the eternal mind,”
this heart, all evil shed away A pulse in the eternal mind,” ties the speaker’s identity directly to the idea of national sacrifice. The notion that his “heart” will shed “evil” implies a spiritual purification. The “pulse in the eternal mind” suggests that the speaker’s sacrifice will be remembered as part of a greater, eternal force—perhaps the enduring spirit of the nation itself. This line implies that the soldier’s identity transcends death and is absorbed into the collective memory of England, creating a sense of immortality through national identity. The religious undertones in the phrase “eternal mind” elevate the significance of this sacrifice, implying that dying for England is a noble and almost divine act. This idea of national identity as a sacred cause was a major motivator for soldiers during World War I, who often viewed their sacrifices as part of a greater, almost spiritual mission to preserve their homeland.
para 8 - structure
The structure of The Soldier reflects the theme of national identity through its regular, almost formal, rhyme and meter. The poem is written in a sonnet, a traditional form often used to express deep emotions or lofty ideals. This structure mirrors the speaker’s reverence for England, suggesting that the speaker views his connection to the country as something noble and eternal. The poem’s flowing rhythm reinforces the idea of a seamless bond between the speaker’s identity and England, where his life and death are intertwined with the land. The sonnet’s form, with its clear and controlled structure, highlights the sense of order and idealism in the speaker’s patriotic belief.
para 9 - conclusion
In conclusion, the theme of national identity in The Soldier highlights the deep connection between the individual and their country. Through imagery, personification, and religious undertones, Rupert Brooke portrays England as both a nurturing and sacred force that shapes the speaker’s identity. The speaker’s sacrifice for England is presented as noble and eternal, reflecting the intense patriotism of the time. Ultimately, the poem suggests that national identity is not just about belonging to a place but is an integral part of who we are, with our connection to our country enduring beyond death.
