Vitai Lampada

Question 1

What was Henry Newbolt communicating about conflict?

Answer 1

Patriotic/stoic attitude to fighting in conflict is admirable
Brutality of warfare
Traditional values/morals are transferable (sports)

Question 2

What is the structure used in Vitai Lampada? What effect do these have?

Answer 2

Regular structure of 8 lines per stanzas (octet/octave) - very regimented, reflects military life & clearly narrates/expresses views

Question 3

What are the techniques used in Vitai Lampada? What effect do these have?

Answer 3

Personification of school - “her sons” - school is being motherly figure, emphasising nurturing of pupils
Simile - “like a torch in flame” - pupils bright examples of stoicism, reflects title
Repetition - “Play up! Play up! And play the game!” - emphasises key point about chivalry & learning in school to apply in life

Question 4

What is the imagery used in Vitai Lampada? What effect do these have?

Answer 4

“Jammed” - suggests men are in danger as main gun is broken

“Sodden” & “Brimmed” - emphasises amount of deaths & blood on battlefield & courage of soldier

Question 5

What is the rhythm & rhyme used in Vitai Lampada? What effect do these have?

Answer 5

Alternative rhyme scheme - reflects regimented military life
Iambic rhythm & sometimes iambic pentameter (stanzas 1+2) & sometimes iambic tetrameter (last line of each stanza) - rhythm is stanzas 1+2 emphasises & rhythm in 3 reflects regimentism & key messages