The Soldier - Language, Structure, Context

Question 1

1914

Answer 1

Start of WWI
During these times, people were very optimistic about the war.
They were confident about victory and all assumed that it would end quickly. ‘Home by Christmas’
This optimism is represented in early war poems such as this one.

Question 2

Rupert Brooke

Answer 2

Young man is his 20s
Was a soldier first
Wrote poetry about his experiences

Question 3

Traditional Sonnet Form

Answer 3

Demonstrates love for his country - focuses more on love for country rather than war

Question 4

Stanza 1

Octet - ABABCDCD

Answer 4

Talks about what England has given him

Question 5

Stanza 2

Sestet - EFGEFG

Answer 5

Talks about what he will give back

Question 6

Patriotism

Answer 6

Repetition of ‘England’ and ‘English’

Question 7

Idea of Death

Answer 7

Sort of ‘looking forward to his death’ - views it as a very noble thing, to die for one’s country
Sees is as a ‘glorious sacrifice’ - willing to sacrifice his life (glorious death) for his country)

Question 8

Audience

Answer 8

Talks/addresses this poem to the nation (personified)