In “The Soldier,” Brooke praises the country with much patriotism and sacrifice. During the times of the Great War, Brooke was influenced by the purpose and reasons of war. Why they are fighting and what is to come of it? In this piece, we can see the idealistic views of valor and patriotism for the country of England.
Opening the poem is a feeling of self sacrifice as we read “If I should die, think only this of me” (1098). Immediately, we can see his foreshadow of death that exists in every soldiers mind as he sets foot into service. He knows that by nature, war is a fight until death, and that this line shows their acceptance of a fateful death.
The justifying reason of the fight for England is announced as the author states “there’s some corner of a foreign field that is forever England. There shall be In that rich earth a richer dust concealed.” Even though the soldier knows of his death, he claims that it is without a purpose, and to die for his Nation is above any other “rich[es].” Literally, his definition of England’s “rich” is that of the nation’s Land, its history that it has “bore, shaped, [and made] aware,” as well as its people with their “body of England’s, breathing English air.” Brooke’s word choice and use of imagery gives good symbolism of patriotism and the fight for one’s own nation. The “flowers to love” and “English air” are the vitalities of the country that gives him the life and strength to sacrifice himself for the country. (1098-1099)
The last stanza becomes even more personal as the reasons run deep to his heart, to his “pulse,” just for England’s “sights and sounds” to be “happy” as in her “dreams.” “And laughter learnt of friends; and gentleness, In hearts at peace, under and English heaven” (1099). The brightness and hopeful tone of this last stanza show the motivation for such a fight. These are the “richer dust concealed… in that rich earth” of England. It is no surprise that Brooke had so much patriotism that he immediately enlisted when the War first started in 1914.
In "The Soldier," Brooke successfully creates a poem that lights the honor and idealistic reasons in justifying the sacrifice of a heroic soldier for everything that encompasses his country from the "rich dust" of England to the "breath" and "happy... sights and sounds [of]" "friends" "laughters" (1099). Reading this poem gives the energy, motivation, and drive necessary for the moralizing of the nations troops. It is no surprise that it this poem "immortalized" Brooke as it was "read aloud at Sait Paul's Cathedral in London on Easter Sunday, 1915" for it represents the "symbol of English pride" (1097).
If this work was written at any other time, it may have not gained its fame and recognition. However, during the first of the three Great Wars, this poem reflected the minds of many individuals who fought for their country while serving as their fuel and motivation. Although commendable, the poem lacks the true nature of War, and that is there are no rules or fairness at the lowest levels, and that in what we see as just and right lies the deaths of the innocents for war is the fight between the higher powers. War is not between the countries, but rather between the leaders, and among ideals. The country and its people are left to experience the consequences, whether right or wrong for War knows no peace. At its roots, War is the ultimate tool of killing and eradication where not the most righteous prevails, but the fittest. If the evilest powers of human kind raged wars against all, in the end, the evil will win as long as it holds the strongest powers and most fearsome weapons. We are fortunate that Hitler himself did not hold the key to the Atomic Bomb, even though we regret ever attaining knowledge capable of such peril. It is not the tools of war that are evil, but people. Unfortunately, it’s the strongest people, whether good or bad, who prevails, if there was ever absence of justice or gods. Although I am impressed with the skill of the author, I can’t but help to see this poem as more than an idealistic piece used to promote men into war without portraying the cruel realities that lies behind its curtains. Patriotism is but a mirage for the true natures of war. I’m not saying that the purpose of Brooke’s work here is propaganda for the war, for they may very well reflect his true thoughts and emotions at the time. Rather, I just wanted to address the other side of the coin that cannot be found in this particular piece.
Van,
ReplyDeleteInteresting commentary on and critique of Brooke's famous poem, with some insightful thoughts on the nature of war versus the message in "The Soldier." At times, however, it is difficult to read and follow your commentary because of the numerous distracting errors in wording, spelling and punctuation. It is important to proofread your posts so that the errors do not detract from or interfere with your message.
I really liked your point about war being not between countries, but just leaders who use their countries as weapons. If Brooke had been one of those leaders--say, some Washington leader who never even planned to see battle--I would definitely have a bad attitude toward this poem because, like you aptly put it, it might be no "more than an idealistic piece used to promote men into war without portraying the cruel realities that lies behind its curtains."
ReplyDeleteBut Brooke was a soldier himself. Granted, he was a soldier who didn't see battle like many of his compatriots, but a soldier nonetheless. He has no reason to propagandize this war; in fact, he should be the one arguing against it if anything. So because he was a foot-soldier himself, I find myself disagreeing with the idea that the poem just absolutely lacks the reality of war and is therefore discreditable. If it was his reality, than it is (at least in some small way) the reality of the war.