Analysing Brooke's presentation of England and patriotism in 'The Soldier'
I can analyse how Brooke uses language, form and structure to express his patriotism.
Analysing Brooke's presentation of England and patriotism in 'The Soldier'
I can analyse how Brooke uses language, form and structure to express his patriotism.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Brooke uses personification to portray England as a mother figure, who has nurtured and cared for him his whole life.
- Brooke presents England as a superior nation; he portrays England as idyllic to illustrate his patriotism.
- The image of an “English heaven” reflects Brooke's hopes of being reunited with England in the event of his death.
- Brooke uses the sonnet form perhaps to reflect his love for, and devotion to, England.
- Brooke subverts conventions of traditional sonnets, perhaps because his love for England is familial and not romantic.
Keywords
Patriotism - showing a devotion to, and love for one’s country
Superior - more important/powerful/valuable than something else
Nurturing - to take care of and protect something or someone
Sonnet - a poem with 14 lines and a regular rhyme scheme
Idyllic - extremely perfect and/or picturesque
Common misconception
Students might think that Brooke fought and died in the war because he wrote a war poem.
Although Brooke bravely volunteered to fight in the war, he never actually engaged in any military action. Unfortunately, Brooke died from septicaemia on a ship en route to battle.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the Eduqas poetry anthology for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
showing a devotion to, and love for one’s country
more important/powerful/valuable than something else
to take care of and protect something or someone
extremely perfect and/or picturesque