The Soldier by Rupert Brooke Flashcards
Context
20th century. British male. Written about being patriotic and dying for your country in war, very idealistic. Brooke never experienced war. He died of disease on the way to the Mediterranean front in WW1, making it a second hand experience of war
If I should die, think only this of me: / That there’s some corner of a foreign field / That is forever England.”
The opening lines establish the speaker’s acceptance of death in war. The phrase “some corner of a foreign field” suggests the permanence of England’s identity even in foreign lands, as the speaker’s body will transform the soil into a piece of England. This reflects Brooke’s idealistic nationalism, portraying sacrifice in war as a noble and eternal act.
A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware, / Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam.”
The speaker attributes his entire identity to England, describing it as a nurturing mother. Words like “bore,” “shaped,” and “made aware” highlight a deep sense of gratitude and belonging. This imagery underscores the bond between the individual and their homeland, reinforcing the speaker’s belief that dying for England is an honorable repayment.
A body of England’s, breathing English air, / Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home.”
The speaker romanticizes his connection to England, emphasizing its physical and spiritual influence. The repetition of “England” reinforces patriotism, while “washed” and “blest” suggest purification and divine approval, elevating the act of sacrifice to something almost sacred.
And think, this heart, all evil shed away, / A pulse in the eternal mind.”
The idea of shedding “all evil” reflects the belief that sacrifice in war purifies the soul, leaving behind a noble legacy. The “eternal mind” suggests the speaker’s actions will contribute to a lasting, spiritual connection to England and humanity.
Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given; / Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day.”
The speaker believes his sacrifice will reciprocate the gifts England has given him. The use of “dreams happy as her day” conveys an idealized image of England, emphasizing its beauty and perfection. This reinforces the romanticized view of war as an opportunity to honor and protect such an idyllic homeland.
Themes
Patriotism and National Identity
Idealism of War
Sacrifice and Legacy
Nature and the Divine
Patriotism and National Identity
The poem glorifies England, portraying it as a nurturing and perfect homeland. The speaker’s devotion to their country is central, and their death is depicted as a noble extension of England’s greatness.
Sacrifice and Legacy
The speaker views dying for England as a way to ensure their memory and connection to their homeland live on eternally, blending personal sacrifice with national pride.
Idealism of War
The poem reflects the early romanticized view of World War I, ignoring the horrors of conflict to focus on honor, beauty, and the spiritual rewards of sacrifice.
Nature and the Divine
England is associated with nature and purity, depicted almost as a divine entity. The speaker’s connection to their homeland is spiritual, making their sacrifice a holy offering.
Poem overview
The Soldier is an idealistic and patriotic reflection on death during wartime, portraying it as a noble sacrifice for one’s homeland. Through vivid imagery and a romanticized tone, Rupert Brooke elevates the act of dying for England to a spiritual and eternal contribution. The poem captures the pre-war optimism and glorification of duty, contrasting sharply with the later disillusionment seen in works by other war poets like Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon.
