The Soldier - Rupert Brooke

Question 1

context - The Soldier - Rupert Brooke

Answer 1

written in 1914
wrote the poem before WWI began so shows an idealism and optimism about war that contrasts strongly with his poetry from later in the conflict
used to persuade young men to fight - originally called ‘The Recruit’
very jingoistic and talks about the countryside as a part of his identity
poets criticised the fact that he was naïve
died in 1915 from blood poisoning whilst serving in Navy and buried in Greece - ironic
sonnet form

Question 2

key quotations

Answer 2

• ‘If I should die, think only this of me:’
  This conditional statement shows that the solider accepts the fact war could kill him, but the later facts may show that his death is for a greater purpose and that others should not grieve but realise his heroism.
• ‘a corner of a foreign field’
  Shows that no matter where he is buried or where he ends up, his grave will embody England and through death he will still be a symbol of strength and nationalistic values.
• ‘and think’ this heart, ‘all evil shed away’
  Gets the men reading to imagine the glory they could bring to their country.