My reflections on The Soldier by Rupert Brooke:
The soldier regards England as his homeland. Unlike previous poems, this poem shows how fighting a war for one's beloved country is worthwhile, and dying is justified. While the soldier died in a foreign land, he feels that as long as he and his comrades reside there, that land will forever be England's. This poem is a sonnet. Sonnets are romantic, so this soldier might have written the poem to show that he has a deep connection with England, and after he dies he will no longer bear the responsibility of a soldier and will be free to be with England. Also, he envisions peace for England when he dies and after the war ends. He does not mind giving his life back to England, because England has made him what he is in the first place. He will be back with England again, purified. Under the English skies there will be peace and his death was worth is shown in "heaven at its best where he finds peace and rest, and all evil and destruction is cast off". He is a patriotic soldier. I feel that this is too idealistic, because to some extent the cruel fighting will take its toll on a soldier's health and mind. It is worthy to die for a country though.
Timothy, thanks for letting me gain extra knowledge on how sonnets are romantic. I really look up on the persona in the poem. Such willing devotions are rare and must be well treasured. I feel, however in today's hectic and job-oriented lifestyle, I don't think that the soldiers or even people will be that patriotic to the extent of willing to sacrifice their own lives anymore! Do you agree? :) A concise post of details, well done :)
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