An Analysis Poem "The Soldier" by Rupert Brooke

A pulse in the eternal mind, no less

Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given;

Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day;

And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness,

In hearts at peace, under an English heaven.

The poem implies an upcoming disaster, offering an alternative viewpoint on death during war in contrast to General Patton's well-known statement. The opening sentences create a feeling of coming emotion, similar to a letter or journal entry. The person telling the story, probably male based on the time period, sings about sacrificing his life in war to protect his country. Instead of grieving his fate, he views his death as an opportunity to expand England's reach in distant territories, transforming his end into a symbolic triumph. This different perspective on death in conflict questions conventional beliefs about war and sacrifice, providing a more optimistic outlook on mortality. The themes of obligation and selflessness in the poem are reflected in the narrator's willingness to fulfill his duty for the benefit of his country.

The poet utilizes the metaphor 'richer dust' to describe the body of a deceased soldier, drawing on the common funeral saying 'ashes to ashes, dust to dust'. This emphasizes the concept that humans, although composed of dust, are fundamentally carbon-based creatures. The poet then links this dust to England, indicating that soldiers are shaped and formed in the nation, embodying its essence when they pass away in foreign lands. The stanza's patriotic motifs paint a vivid picture of England's natural beauty, stirring emotions through its use of natural elements. The narrator wants to take England's beauty to other countries, highlighting the bravery of a soldier's sacrifice. This visual representation symbolizes the core of England and the significance of a soldier's duty in a different country.

In the second stanza of the sonnet, a new concept is presented, and the narrator appears to experience a sudden realization. By portraying England as having a heart and mind, people see the country as more valuable. The word "eternal" links England to eternity, implying that its sovereignty will last. The last three lines acclaim English culture with strong sensory details, supporting the notion of sacrificing one's life for their country. The stanza implies that death in battle results in a tranquil English heaven, suggesting a higher status compared to other countries' heavens. The analogy is used to underscore England as the nearest place to paradise on the planet. In the end, the poem promotes patriotism and pride in one's nation, urging individuals to make sacrifices for the country's benefit. The effective utilization of language and imagery in the sonnet highlights England's enduring presence and cultural importance, presenting a strong case for patriotism and allegiance to one's country.