The Solidier Flashcards
Context
Rupert Brooke enlisted at the start of WW1
He never actually experienced war—died of blood poisoning from a mosquito bite while on his way to fight
The poem does not reflect the brutal realities of war but rather an idealistic and patriotic view
Summary of the poem
The poem presents an idealized view of a soldier’s willingness to die for his country
Stanza 1: Deeply patriotic—England is described as a mother who shaped him
Stanza 2: He believes that death will be comforting, and he will give back what England gave him
Form
Petrarchan Sonnet: Traditionally used for romantic poetry
Sonnets are usually about a person, but here the narrator’s love is for England
Structure
Octave (first 8 lines): Describes how England has enriched his life
Sestet (final 6 lines): Reflects on how, after death, he will return the gifts given by his country
Confident tone: Starts as deeply patriotic but becomes more reflective
Enjambment: Creates a conversational and flowing quality
Language
Personification:
England as a mother → suggests she shaped him as a person
Religious:
Death is purifying and brings him closer to God
Romanticizes war:
Dying is portrayed as noble and beautiful
The soldier’s spirit lives on in England
Mood
Patriotism: Passion for his country and pride in being English
Idealism: He knows he will die at war, but he sees it as an honorable sacrifice
Reassurance: The poem may comfort both the soldier and the reader, making death seem peaceful
Key Quotes
washed by the rivers, blest by the suns of home
- Home = comforting
- calm and seren imagery
- religious connotations = devotion
- Nature is a positive force
A pulse in the eternal mind
- Death is purifying and brings the solider closer to god
- his spirit lives on in england
In hearts at peace, under and Englsih Heaven
- Views England as heaven
- potrays death as a noble and beautiful act of patriotism
