Vitaï Lampada

Question 1

(VL) themes

Answer 1

• duty
• patriotism
• sportsmanship
• survival

Question 2

(VL) author background (Henry Newbolt)

Answer 2

• Christian
• went to the Boer war (and wrote the poem about it)
• worked in propaganda during WWI
• believed there was a link between war and sportsmanship
• was more mixed on war

Question 3

(VL) structure

Answer 3

• Iambic Pentameter - traditional rhythm reinforces traditional values in the poem
• ABAB rhyme scheme - demonstrates how the boys return to tradition in hard times

Question 4

(VL) “Vitai lampada”

Answer 4

Latin - Torch of life - representing hope in the middle of darkness

This is a metaphor

The soldiers must pass on the torch of sacrifice and duty to the next generation - like a relay

Question 5

(VL) “There’s a breathless hush in the close to-night.“

Answer 5

Sibilance

Creating suspense through the silence.

Evoking sense of patriotism and sense of pride

Question 6

(VL) “The sand of the desert is sodden red, -“

Answer 6

Imagery of blood and caesura

The sand is sodden with blood of fellow soldiers

The soldiers are faced by the possibility of death - dangerous

However the pace slows, showing how the soldiers are not panicked

Question 7

(VL) “And the regiment blind with dust and smoke.“

Answer 7

Metaphor.

Graphic imagery painting a picture of hell, but relating it to their school years and cricket matches.

Therefore, they can cope as they have experienced hardship before, albeit in different circumstances.

Question 8

(VL) “play up! Play up! And play the game!“

Answer 8

Constant repetition

disregarding the value of human life - the nation is more important

Encouraging them to give their all even during the hardest times

Question 9

(VL) “Bear through life like a torch in flame.“

Answer 9

Cyclical structure and simile

Reference to title - these man must pass down the knowledge learnt at school to the next generations

Simile demonstrates how they possess inner strength that helps them cope