The Soldier Flashcards
Context
Written by Brooke, published in 1914. Brooke died of sepsis before he fought in WW1. He was extremely patriotic and had heroic and idealistic ideas about war.
“there’s some corner…
…of a foreign field, that is forever England” - his patriotism and love of his country carries on after his death, his body keeping the “English Spirit”
“a dust whom…
…England bore, shaped, made aware.” - He compares himself to dust, as if to make it seem that he is just dust before the glory of England. This also alludes to the Bible, as God made Adam out of dust, comparing England to God.
“hearts at peace…
…under an English heaven” - Religious connotations - like he worships England, or that England is a perfect place.
Structure
A sonnet - usually about love - shows the love and passion Brooke has for his country
1st person - more personal. “The Soldier” is kept anonymous, suggesting that Brooke believes he is speaking on behalf of the common soldier.
