"The Soldier" Flashcards
What could the title “The Soldier” suggest?
The title suggests an anonymous soldier and perhaps reflects how many soldiers were to lose their lives in battle.
“If I should die,”
The poem is written in first person and reflects the idea that it is an honour to fight for your country.
There is an acceptance that he may die, but this is viewed as a sacrifice he is willing to make.
“Foreign field”
The adjective “foreign” suggests how far from home he is and how strange the environment feels compared to England.
“That is for ever earth England”
The first mention of his country and his pride in fighting for her - that he represents her, even in death.
“A richer dust concealed;”
Religious overtones reminiscent of a funeral service, he returns to dust upon his death.
“whom England bore, shaped, made aware,”
Here, he personifies England - she is almost his mother, who raised him and nurtured him.
“Her flowers to love, her ways to roam,”
Imagery suggests the beauty of England by her “flowers”.
“Washed by the rivers, blest by the suns of home.”
Imagery suggests the beauty of England - by her “rivers”.
Shows to be almost religious, the verb “blest” suggests she is his benefactor, his protector.
“All evil shed away”
The use of the adjective “evil” is perhaps an implied reference to the horrors of war and the cruelty mankind is capable of.
“A pulse in the eternal mind”
This suggests that in death, he almost becomes part of the universe, he achieves some form of immortality.
“Her sights and sounds, dreams happy as her day;” / “And laughter, learnt of friend”
The poet reminds us of the cherished memories of England and home, shared with friends.
“In hearts at peace” / “An English heaven”
Death brings peace and comfort and he can die in the knowledge of a life well spent and sacrificed appropriately to help protect a nation that is so important and righteous - even heaven reflects its values.
Which poems link to “The Soldier”?
Patriotism - Dulce et Decorum Est
Impact of war - Dulce et Decorum Est, A Wife in London
Pride - Ozymandias, Dulce et Decorum Est
