patriotism Flashcards
para 1 -overview
In The Soldier, patriotism is shown as a deep, almost spiritual love for England. The speaker sees his country as pure and beautiful, believing that even if he dies in war, his body will become a part of England forever. He feels that dying for his country is an honourable sacrifice, and that England’s influence will live on in him even after death. This view of patriotism makes his sacrifice seem meaningful and noble, showing that he sees England as worth giving everything for.
para 2 “If I should die, think only this of me”
From the very first line, “If I should die, think only this of me”, Brooke immediately dismisses fear or sadness about death. The phrase “think only” is imperative, almost commanding the reader to focus on his patriotic devotion rather than mourning him. This suggests that he sees dying for England as an honour, reinforcing the idea that sacrifice in war is something to be proud of rather than feared.
para 3- “some corner of a foreign field that is forever England”,
Brooke also uses the metaphor “some corner of a foreign field that is forever England”, which makes it seem as if England has the power to extend beyond its borders. This shows how deeply he values his homeland, as he believes that even in death, an English soldier carries a piece of England with him. The phrase “forever England” suggests permanence, reinforcing the idea that England’s influence is eternal. It also reflects the nationalistic views of the time, where many believed that the British Empire was superior and should spread across the world.
para 4-“a richer dust concealed”
Another way Brooke shows patriotism is through the phrase “a richer dust concealed”. The word “dust” is a biblical reference to the idea that humans return to dust after death (“for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return” – Genesis 3:19). However, Brooke elevates English dust by calling it “richer”, implying that English soil—and even English people—are more valuable than others. This subtly suggests a sense of national superiority, which was a common belief during World War I.
para 5-“bore, shaped, made aware”
Personification is also used to present England as nurturing and almost motherly. Brooke describes how England “bore, shaped, made aware” its people, as if the country has physically created and raised them. The verb “bore” is particularly significant, as it suggests childbirth, reinforcing the idea that England is like a mother to its soldiers. This makes the reader feel that soldiers owe something to England in return for giving them life, further justifying the idea of sacrificing themselves for their homeland.
para 6- “A pulse in the eternal mind”.
In the second stanza of The Soldier, written during the early years of World War One, Rupert Brooke presents patriotism as something deeply spiritual and eternal. At the time, many people in Britain saw war as a noble and heroic duty, and Brooke’s poem reflects this idealistic view. He suggests that even in death, a soldier remains connected to England, as seen in the phrase “A pulse in the eternal mind”. This metaphor implies that England is not just a physical place, but something everlasting, almost divine. The adjective “eternal” reinforces this idea, making it seem like fighting for England grants a kind of immortality. This reflects the strong patriotic belief, common at the start of the war, that dying for one’s country was not just an act of duty but a meaningful and honourable sacrifice.
para 7-her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day”,
dreams happy as her day”
Brooke also uses sensory imagery to create an idealised version of England. He writes about “her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day”, evoking a nostalgic and peaceful atmosphere. The personification of England as “her” makes it seem like a motherly figure, which strengthens the idea that the speaker feels a deep emotional connection to his homeland. This maternal imagery suggests that England has nurtured him, making his willingness to die for it seem like a natural and noble response. The phrase “dreams happy as her day” reinforces this idyllic portrayal, making England seem full of joy and purity, completely separate from the horrors of war. This reflects the pre-war propaganda that encouraged young men to enlist, as war was often presented as a glorious adventure rather than a brutal reality
para 8-“hearts at peace, under an English heaven.”
In the final lines, Brooke presents death in a peaceful and almost heavenly way: “hearts at peace, under an English heaven.” The word “heaven” has strong religious connotations, suggesting that sacrificing oneself for England leads to eternal rest and honour. This reflects the patriotic and religious attitudes of the time, where death in battle was often seen as a form of martyrdom. By ending on this note, Brooke transforms war from something tragic into something noble and rewarding, reinforcing the idea that true patriotism means being willing to give everything for one’s country. However, because Brooke died early in the war before witnessing its full horrors, his poetry reflects a more innocent and idealistic view of war, rather than the brutal reality experienced by later poets.
para 9- structure
The structure of The Soldier reinforces its strong sense of patriotism through its use of the sonnet form, traditionally associated with love poetry. This suggests that the speaker’s devotion to England is deep and passionate, treating his country almost like a loved one. The poem’s two stanzas reflect both a physical and spiritual connection to England, showing that its influence extends beyond life and into death. The steady rhythm and regular rhyme scheme create a calm, reflective tone, making the idea of dying for one’s country seem peaceful and honourable rather than tragic. Enjambment helps maintain a smooth flow, reinforcing the idea that his sacrifice is natural and meaningful. By using a structured and traditional form, Brooke presents patriotism as timeless and unquestionable, contrasting with later war poets who used fragmented structures to highlight the horrors of war.
para 10-conclusion
In conclusion, The Soldier shows patriotism as something noble and almost sacred, with the speaker viewing England as a place worth dying for. Through idealistic imagery and a calm, steady structure, Brooke presents the idea that serving one’s country is a proud and meaningful sacrifice, reflecting the romanticized view of war at the time.
