Essay: Analysis of the poem “The Soldier” by Rupert Brooke

Rupert Brooke’s poem “The Soldier,” written in 1914, is one of the most famous war sonnets of World War I. The poem reflects Brooke’s idealistic and patriotic view of war, presenting death in battle as a noble sacrifice for one’s country. This essay will analyze the poem’s themes, structure, language, and its place within the broader context of war poetry, drawing on various academic theories and historical perspectives.

Historical Context

“The Soldier” was written at the onset of World War I, a time when many viewed the conflict with a sense of patriotism and romanticism. Rupert Brooke, an English poet and soldier, encapsulated this sentiment in his poetry. He wrote “The Soldier” as part of a collection of sonnets entitled “1914 & Other Poems,” which expressed the idealistic and nationalistic fervor of the time. Brooke himself enlisted in the Royal Naval Division and wrote these poems before experiencing the harsh realities of war. His untimely death in 1915 from sepsis, before seeing combat, further cemented his image as a tragic and heroic figure.

Themes

1. Patriotism and Sacrifice: The primary theme of “The Soldier” is patriotism. The poem glorifies the act of dying for one’s country, presenting it as an honor and a noble duty. Brooke’s speaker finds solace in the idea that his death will contribute to the greatness of England, suggesting that his body will enrich foreign soil with “a richer dust concealed.”
2. Immortality through Death: Brooke explores the concept of immortality through death. The speaker believes that by dying for England, he will achieve a form of eternal life. This idea is encapsulated in the lines “If I should die, think only this of me: / That there’s some corner of a foreign field / That is forever England.” The notion that his sacrifice will permanently mark a foreign land with English identity speaks to the lasting impact of his patriotic act.
3. Idealism and Romanticism: “The Soldier” is imbued with a sense of idealism and romanticism. Unlike later war poets such as Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon, who depicted the brutal realities of war, Brooke’s view is idealized and serene. The poem reflects the early war sentiment before the widespread disillusionment that characterized much of the later war poetry.

Structure and Form

“The Soldier” is a sonnet, a traditional poetic form often associated with love and idealized themes. The poem follows the structure of a Petrarchan sonnet, divided into an octave and a sestet. The rhyme scheme is ABABCDCDEFFE, and the meter is iambic pentameter.

1. Octave: The first eight lines (octave) introduce the speaker’s contemplation of his potential death and the idea that his sacrifice will make the foreign land he dies on a part of England. The use of the conditional “If I should die” sets a hypothetical, contemplative tone.
2. Sestet: The final six lines (sestet) shift to a more spiritual and eternal perspective. The speaker imagines his spirit residing in the heavens, at peace and enriched by his experiences in England. The sestet provides a resolution to the octave’s contemplation, offering a vision of eternal rest and fulfillment.

Language and Imagery

Brooke’s language in “The Soldier” is rich with patriotic and natural imagery. His use of diction and imagery serves to idealize the concepts of home and country.

1. Patriotic Imagery: Brooke employs imagery that evokes a deep connection to England. Phrases like “richer dust,” “English air,” “English heaven,” and “flowers to love” create a sense of England as a nurturing and sacred land. The repetition of “England” throughout the poem reinforces the speaker’s devotion to his country.
2. Natural Imagery: The poem’s natural imagery depicts England as a pastoral paradise. Words like “flowers,” “laughter,” “gentleness,” and “peace” contribute to an idyllic vision of the country. This contrasts with the harsh reality of war, highlighting the poem’s romantic and idealistic tone.
3. Spiritual Imagery: Brooke also incorporates spiritual imagery, suggesting that death in service to England leads to a form of spiritual ascension. The speaker envisions his spirit dwelling in an “English heaven,” suggesting a transcendent reward for his sacrifice.

Literary Devices

Brooke utilizes various literary devices to enhance the poem’s emotional impact and thematic depth.

1. Metaphor: The metaphor of the speaker’s body as “a richer dust” suggests that his remains will enhance the foreign soil with English virtues. This metaphor extends to the idea that his sacrifice will leave a lasting, positive mark on the world.
2. Personification: Brooke personifies England, attributing human qualities to the country. England is depicted as a nurturing mother who shapes the speaker’s identity and values. This personification deepens the emotional connection between the speaker and his homeland.
3. Alliteration and Assonance: The use of alliteration and assonance in lines like “In that rich earth a richer dust concealed” and “A body of England’s, breathing English air” creates a musical quality, enhancing the poem’s lyrical and reflective tone.

Critical Perspectives

1. Romanticism: Brooke’s poem can be analyzed through the lens of Romanticism, a literary movement that emphasized emotion, nature, and individualism. “The Soldier” reflects Romantic ideals in its celebration of the individual’s emotional connection to their homeland and the natural world.
2. Patriotism and Propaganda: Some critics argue that “The Soldier” functions as wartime propaganda, glorifying the notion of dying for one’s country. The poem’s idealized portrayal of war and sacrifice can be seen as a tool to inspire and maintain public support for the war effort.
3. Contrast with Later War Poetry: “The Soldier” stands in stark contrast to the later war poetry of the First World War, which often highlighted the horrors and futility of war. Poets like Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon depicted the grim realities of trench warfare, challenging the romanticized view presented by Brooke.

Conclusion

Rupert Brooke’s “The Soldier” remains a poignant and powerful example of early World War I poetry. Its idealistic and patriotic themes, combined with its formal structure and rich imagery, capture a moment in time when the war was viewed with hope and noble purpose. While subsequent war poetry would reveal the brutal truths of the conflict, Brooke’s sonnet continues to resonate as a testament to the enduring human spirit and the complex interplay of nationalism and personal sacrifice.