The Soldier - About Flashcards
what is the poem about
narrator is talking about the possibility of dying in a foreign country, describes his mother who gave birth to him and raised him, believes death will be comforting - he’ll be able to give back what England gave him
what is the form of the poem
sonnet - traditionally a love poem, shows his love for England.
what is the structure of the poem
the octave (first 8 lines) presents how England has enriched his life. In the sestet (last 7 lines)he considers how after his death, he will return the ‘gifts’ given to him by his country
what language is used in the poem
personification, nature, religious
why is personification used
uses an extended metaphor of England as a mother, the speaker feels the country has shaped him as a person. Mothers are normally used as comfort which shows why the narrator is thinking of it during war as it is reassuring
why is language of nature used
a love of the English countryside is used to show his devotion to his country
why is religious language used
speaker seems to be religious, feels “blest” by England. The thought of heaven seems to give him comfort when he reflects on his own death
what feelings and attitudes are used in the poem
patriotism and idealism
how is patriotism used
the first stanza contains a long list off all the things England has given him and the second stanza lists the things he hopes to give back to England - this makes him seem to be proud to be English
how is idealism used
the narrators view of dying in war seems to be idealistic and he doesn’t focus on the gruesome and painful experiences of most solders during the war. The poem allows him to reassure himself and a part of him will live on after he dies
