War Poetry

 Thinking Activity: War Poetry

Hello readers,

This blog is based on Thinking activity. Assigned by Vaidehi Hariyani Ma'am.

Compare any two poems concerning the subject, style of writing, and patriotism.

In this question we are comparing two great poems with their terms of subject, style of writing, and patriotism.

The first one is The Soldier" by Rupert Brooke and the one is The Hero" by Siegfried Sassoon.

1).The Soldier" by Rupert Brooke

2).The Hero" by Siegfried Sassoon.

The Soldier

BY RUPERT BROOKE

If I should die, think only this of me:

      That there’s some corner of a foreign field

That is for ever England. There shall be

      In that rich earth a richer dust concealed;

A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware,

      Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam;

A body of England’s, breathing English air,

      Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home.

And think, this heart, all evil shed away,

      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 Hero

• 
• 
• 
• 

Siegfried Sassoon

1886 –

1967

"Jack fell as he'd have wished," the Mother said,
And folded up the letter that she'd read.
"The Colonel writes so nicely." Something broke
In the tired voice that quavered to a choke.
She half looked up. "We mothers are so proud
Of our dead soldiers." Then her face was bowed.

Quietly the Brother Officer went out.
He'd told the poor old dear some gallant lies
That she would nourish all her days, no doubt.
For while he coughed and mumbled, her weak eyes
Had shone with gentle triumph, brimmed with joy,
Because he'd been so brave, her glorious boy.

He thought how "Jack," cold-footed, useless swine,
Had panicked down the trench that night the mine
Went up at Wicked Corner; how he'd tried
To get sent home; and how, at last, he died,
Blown to small bits. And no one seemed to care
Except that lonely woman with white hair.

Subject:

Rupert Brooke's "The Soldier" portrays a soldier deeply devoted to his country, expressing a willingness to sacrifice his life for it. The poem conveys the soldier's conviction that, even in death, he will forever be intertwined with England.

On the contrary, Siegfried Sassoon's "The Hero" takes a different approach. It scrutinizes the concept of heroes in the context of war, delving into the psychological impact on a soldier and challenging the notion that war is a cause for celebration. The poem underscores the disparity between the romanticized image of a hero and the harsh realities of warfare.

Style of writing:

In "The Soldier," Rupert Brooke employs eloquent and poetic language to create a beautiful piece. The 14-line poem employs vivid imagery, evoking a sense of pride and idealism for one's country. The smooth flow of his words contributes to the emotional impact of the poem.

Conversely, Siegfried Sassoon's "The Hero" takes a more direct and critical approach. It feels as though he is speaking intimately, using strong language and irony to emphasize the grim nature of war and challenging conventional notions of heroism. Sassoon's writing is candid and aims to reveal the harsh reality hidden beneath the heroic facade.

Patriotism:

Rupert Brooke's "The Soldier" can be likened to a passionate declaration of love for England. It expresses the profound devotion of a soldier to their country, indicating a readiness to offer everything, even their life. The poem portrays England as a unique and sacred place, maintaining its significance even in the face of death.

Conversely, Siegfried Sassoon's "The Hero" adopts a more critical stance. It challenges the unquestioning love for one's country that romanticizes war without a full understanding of its true consequences. The poem questions the notion of heroes, suggesting that labeling soldiers as such might be a societal mechanism to avoid confronting the harsh realities of war. Sassoon's work calls for a more honest examination of patriotism, recognizing and acknowledging the sacrifices made by soldiers.

In summary, while "The Soldier" by Rupert Brooke presents a romanticized and idealized portrayal of love for one's country, coupled with a willingness to sacrifice everything, "The Hero" by Siegfried Sassoon takes a more critical approach. It questions the glorification of patriotism and challenges the hero image, urging society to confront the harsh truths of war.

Do you find any such regional poem/movies/ web series/songs that can be compared to any one of the poem also, give a proper explanation of the similarity. 

Here i am going to compare a "Shershaah" movie with the war poetry specially with The Soldier" by Rupert Brooke :

 "Shershaah"

 "Shershaah" is a Bollywood war film that was released on Amazon Prime Video in 2021. The film is based on the life of Captain Vikram Batra, an officer of the Indian Army who played a crucial role during the 1999 Kargil War between India and Pakistan.

Thematic comparison between  "Shershaah" & war poems 

let's explore potential thematic comparisons between "Shershaah" (2021) and war poems. Keep in mind that this comparison is based on general themes associated with war narratives, as specific details about the movie's treatment of these themes may vary.

1. Heroism and Sacrifice:

Shershaah (Movie): The film revolves around the heroic actions of Captain Vikram Batra, emphasizing themes of valor, selflessness, and sacrifice.

War Poems: Many war poems also focus on the heroism of soldiers and the sacrifices they make for their countries. Poets often explore the emotional and physical toll of war on individuals.

2. Human Cost of War:

Shershaah (Movie): The movie likely delves into the personal and emotional toll of war on individuals and their families.

War Poems: War poems often address the human cost of conflict, reflecting on the impact on soldiers, civilians, and families left behind

3. Nationalism and Patriotism:

Shershaah (Movie): Given its focus on the Kargil War, the film likely explores themes of nationalism, duty, and patriotism.

War Poems: Many war poems grapple with the complexities of patriotism, questioning societal expectations and the true meaning of serving one's country

4. Nature of War:

Shershaah (Movie): The film may depict the harsh realities of war, including the challenges faced by soldiers in combat.

War Poems: War poems often provide vivid and visceral descriptions of the battlefield, exposing the brutality and chaos of armed conflict.

5. Loss and Grief:

Shershaah (Movie): The narrative likely explores the themes of loss and grief, both on the battlefield and in the aftermath of war.

War Poems: Poets frequently address the profound loss experienced by individuals affected by war, capturing the emotional aftermath.

While these are general thematic areas, specific details may vary based on individual poems and the particular focus of "Shershaah." For a more in-depth analysis, it's recommended to explore specific war poems and scenes from the movie.

Thank you...

W.B. Yeast poem

 Thinking Activity : W.B. Yeats's Poems 

Hello readers,

This blog is based on Thinking activity. Assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad sir.

About W.B Yeats:

William Butler Yeats (1865–1939) stood as an illustrious Irish poet, playwright, and a prominent figure in the realm of 20th-century literature. Recognized for his literary prowess, he was honored with the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1923. Yeats co-founded the Abbey Theatre and played a pivotal role in the resurgence of Irish literature. His poetic oeuvre, characterized by intricate symbolism and mysticism, boasts timeless works such as "The Second Coming" and "The Lake Isle of Innisfree." Rooted in his deep-seated fascination with Irish folklore, Celtic mythology, and the intricate tapestry of human experience, Yeats' writing resonates as a profound exploration of the complexities that define our existence.

Poems :

 The second coming : 

Turning and turning in the widening gyre

The falcon cannot hear the falconer;

Things fall apart; the center cannot hold;

Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world.

The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere

The ceremony of innocence is drowned;

The best lack all conviction, while the worst

Are full of passionate intensity.

Surely some revelation is at hand;

Surely the Second Coming is at hand.

The Second Coming! Hardly are those words out

When a vast image out of Spiritus Mundi

Troubles my sight: somewhere in the sands of the desert

A shape with a lion's body and the head of a man,

A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun,

Is moving its slow thighs, while all around it

Reel shadows of the indignant desert birds.

The darkness drops again; but now I know

That twenty centuries of stony sleep

Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle,

And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,

Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born.

Analysis of the Poem:

"The Second Coming" by W.B. Yeats describes a frightening vision of the world going through a big change. It was written after World War I and uses powerful images to show a breakdown in society and a crisis of faith. The main idea is about the return of a special figure, but not a good one like Christ. Instead, it's a scary beast from the desert, representing the violence and chaos Yeats saw in the world. The poem ends with a spooky question about what kind of creature is heading towards Bethlehem. This makes readers wonder if it's a destructive force or a painful change needed for something new.

Archetype in this poem:

In W.B. Yeats's "The Second Coming," he uses strong symbols and figures that everyone can relate to, to talk about an upcoming chaos and a potential change. The poem has important pictures that stand for ideas everyone can understand, making it easier to convey the message about a big upheaval and an opportunity for something new.

1).The gyre:

The gyre in the poem is like a circle that represents a repeating pattern in history. When the gyre widens, it means things are getting more chaotic and unstable, possibly leading to a moment where there's a big problem but also a chance for a new beginning.

2).The falcon and falconer:

The falcon and falconer in the poem illustrate how people connect with their guiding principles or institutions. When the falcon is lost and can't be controlled by the falconer, it suggests that in the modern world, there's a sense of losing faith or direction.

3).The Second Coming:

The poem refers to the Christian archetype of the anticipated return of Jesus Christ. In the poem, however, this concept takes on a more ambiguous and potentially ominous meaning. It suggests the arrival of a powerful but potentially destructive force, deviating from the traditional positive connotations associated with the Second Coming in Christian theology.

4).The Sphinx:

4) The Sphinx in the poem is a creature at the end with a lion's body and a human head, like the Egyptian Sphinx. It symbolizes mystery and wisdom that we can't fully understand. The "pitiless gaze" and slow approach suggest a very powerful force beyond what humans can grasp.

Critical Analysis:

In the first part of the poem, the world is described as chaotic, similar to a lost falcon. Everything is falling apart, leading to widespread anarchy. Good people lack conviction, and the worst are destructive.

The second part talks about a major change coming, not a positive "Second Coming" like Jesus, but a monstrous creature with a lion-like body. This creature is born in the desert, not a manger, and disrupts Bethlehem, challenging centuries of Christian history.

The third part intensifies the chaos, with the world spiraling into more disorder. Ravens, symbols of death, add to the gloomy atmosphere.

In the final part, the poem questions the identity of the beast. Is it a dark version of Christ's rebirth, or something else? It moves towards Bethlehem with chilling inevitability, leaving the poem with the haunting question: "What rough beast is heading towards Bethlehem to be born?"

Overall, "The Second Coming" portrays a world in decline, marked by disorder, violence, and a loss of faith. Rich imagery creates a feeling of impending doom, and the identity of the "rough beast" is left open to interpretation, leaving readers uneasy.

 ON BEING ASKED FOR A WAR POEM : 

I think it better that in times like these

A poet's mouth be silent, for in truth

We have no gift to set a statesman right;

He has had enough of meddling who can please

A young girl in the indolence of her youth,

Or an old man upon a winter’s night.

About the poem :

"On Being Asked for a War Poem" by W.B. Yeats is a strong poem where the poet hesitates to write a typical war poem that praises war. Instead, he suggests that real humanity can be found in simple, personal moments, steering away from glorifying conflict.

Archetypes in this poem:

Yeats describes himself as a reluctant poet questioning the purpose of poetry during war, portraying the poet as an outsider who observes and critiques society without conforming to expectations. He contrasts himself with powerful figures like statesmen and naive youths.

The young girl and old man symbolize innocence and resignation, with the girl seeking comfort in art while the old man finds solace in memories. They contrast with the poet's serious concerns about the harsh realities of war.

The crowd of young poets and the indolent represent a mass that indulges in poetry for entertainment, lacking a deep understanding of the complexities of war. The poet distances himself, emphasizing that true art requires a more profound connection with the world's suffering.

Nature elements like the sea, stars, and winter's night symbolize a timeless realm beyond immediate conflict, hinting at broader questions about human existence. Memory, represented by the old man's recollections, offers a contrast to the present violence.

Critical Analysis:

Yeats' "On Being Asked for a War Poem" goes against traditional war poetry by refusing to glorify conflict. Instead of following the expected path, Yeats rejects using poetry as a political tool and believes personal stories, like those of a young girl or an old man, are more important. He questions poetry's ability to fix mistakes made by leaders, showing the limits of art during crises. The poem's ironic self-awareness and focus on personal experiences make its stance complex. While it's often viewed as anti-war, it could also defend artistic independence or offer a nuanced perspective on conflict. The poem's strength lies in its refusal to conform, allowing readers to grapple with the tension between aesthetics and politics, individual and collective experiences, and finding beauty amidst harsh realities.

Conclusion:

In "The Second Coming," there's a feeling of expecting something important or a big change. In "On Being Asked for a War Poem," the poet struggles with how words can't fully express the complicated and horrifying aspects of war, stressing that the experience is hard to put into words.

Thank you...

Archetypal Criticism

                                 By Northrop Frye

Hello readers,

This blog is based on Thinking activity. Assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad sir.

1. What is Archetypal Criticism? What does the archetypal critic do?

Archetypal criticism is like looking closely at stories to find repeating symbols and patterns from cultural and psychological ideas. According to M.H. Abrams, these repeating elements include story designs, characters, and themes that show up in lots of different stories.

In "The Anatomy of Criticism," Northrop Frye talks about a "Mythos Grid," which is like a plan for stories. He says stories have a natural order, like always starting, having a middle, and ending, similar to how nature works. So, when we study literature, we can spot these patterns and symbols that connect with the natural order, helping us understand and enjoy stories more.

2. What is Frye trying to prove by giving an analogy of 'Physics to Nature' and 'Criticism to Literature'?Share your views of Criticism as an organized body of knowledge. 

In comparing "Physics to Nature" and "Criticism to Literature," Frye is saying that criticism is like physics, but for literature. Just as physics studies the basic principles of nature, criticism studies the underlying principles in stories. It's not just about personal opinions; it's a structured exploration of patterns and laws in literature.

When Frye talks about criticism as an organized body of knowledge, he means that it's like having a well-organized toolkit. This toolkit helps scholars and readers systematically understand and categorize stories based on recurring themes. This way, we can dig deeper into the meanings of stories, much like how physics helps us understand the rules of the natural world. It's all about having a methodical way to uncover the hidden layers of meaning in literature.

The relation of literature with history and philosophy:

In Northrop Frye's archetypal criticism, the relation of literature to history and philosophy is significant. Frye sees literature as interconnected with both history and philosophy, forming a triad of human expression.

In simple terms, according to Frye's ideas:

History {Events }+ Philosophy {Ideas} = Literature

1. Literature and History: Think of literature as a time machine. It shows us what life was like in the past, reflecting the way people thought, what they valued, and the challenges they faced. It's like a snapshot of a society's history.

2. Literature and Philosophy: Imagine literature as a storyteller that explores big ideas. It takes complicated thoughts, like what's the meaning of life, and tells stories that help us understand these ideas better. And, on the flip side, philosophy, or deep thinking, can influence the stories we read, shaping the messages and themes in literature.

So, in Frye's view, literature, history, and philosophy are like buddies, each helping us see and understand different aspects of the human experience.

3. Briefly explain the inductive method with an illustration of Shakespeare's Hamlet's Grave Digger's scene.

To watch the Grave Digger's scene of  Hamlet Click here

The inductive method involves drawing general conclusions based on specific examples or observations. In the context of Shakespeare's Hamlet, let's apply the inductive method to the Grave Digger's scene:

Inductive Method in Hamlet's Grave Digger's Scene:

1. Specific Observation: In the Grave Digger's scene, Hamlet engages with a gravedigger while contemplating mortality. This scene is specific and provides details about characters and their actions.

2. Pattern Recognition: Inductively, we observe that Shakespeare often uses graveyards or burial sites in his plays to explore deeper themes, such as mortality, justice, and the human condition. This pattern becomes evident by examining multiple instances across Shakespeare's works.

3. General Conclusion: Inductively reasoning from specific scenes like the Grave Digger's, we can generalize that Shakespeare employs grave or burial imagery as a rich symbolic space to delve into profound questions about life and death.

Illustration from Hamlet:

In the Grave Digger's scene, Hamlet encounters Yorick's skull, sparking reflections on mortality and the transient nature of life. Inductively, we can see this as part of Shakespeare's broader pattern of using grave settings to philosophically explore the complexities of the human experience.

In summary, the inductive method involves drawing broader insights from specific examples, and in the context of Hamlet's Grave Digger's scene, it helps us see how Shakespeare consistently uses graveyards as a thematic canvas across his body of work.

4. Briefly explain the deductive method with reference to an analogy to Music, Painting, rhythm, and pattern. Give examples of the outcomes of the deductive method.

The deductive method involves starting with a general premise or theory and then applying it to specific instances to draw logical conclusions. Let's use an analogy with music, painting, rhythm, and pattern to explain:

Ever wondered how artists create masterpieces in painting and music? Let's dive into the deductive method, a unique approach that involves crafting a set of rules or principles for artistic excellence.

In this method, we form a theory around effective use of color, harmony, and rhythm in painting and music. For instance, we might examine a famous painting to see if it aligns with our theory's principles of color usage. Similarly, in music, we scrutinize a piece to check if it adheres to our principles of harmonic progression or rhythmic structure.

The deductive method allows us to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of specific paintings or musical compositions based on how well they align with our general theory. For example, if our theory emphasizes the importance of melodic variety in music, we might conclude that a piece with diverse and engaging melodies is likely to be musically strong.

In essence, the deductive method provides a systematic way to analyze and appreciate the artistry in paintings and music, unlocking the secrets behind what makes them truly exceptional.

5. Refer to the Indian seasonal grid (in the blog). If you can, please read a small Gujarati, Hindi, or English poem from the archetypal approach and apply the Indian seasonal grid to the interpretation.

Excerpt from "Daffodils" by William Wordsworth:

"Daffodils"

                    by William Wordsworth:

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced, but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not be but gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed'and gazed'but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

Interpretation through Indian seasonal grid:

- Spring (Vasant): The poem talks about daffodils dancing, which fits the happy and lively feeling of spring.

  

- Summer (Grishma): The poem doesn't directly mention summer, but the calm and thoughtful mood might remind you of a peaceful summer evening.

- Monsoon (Varsha): The part about memories flashing in the poet's mind aligns with the introspective and reflective mood of the rainy season.

- Autumn (Sharad): The poem's pensive mood and inward reflection connect with the contemplative nature often associated with autumn.

- Winter (Hemant/Shishir): Though winter isn't explicitly mentioned, the blissful solitude and inner reflections might bring to mind the calm and quiet of winter.

In simpler terms, the poem captures different feelings that remind us of the changing seasons, like the lively spring, thoughtful summer, introspective monsoon, contemplative autumn, and the serene winter.

For another interpretation of the poem using the Indian seasonal grid, I sought assistance from the ChatGPT AI tool, and it generated this poem:

Title: Whispers of Seasons: An Archetypal Poem Across Languages

Poem: (English)

Amidst the whispers of the ancient banyan tree,  

Nature's tale unfolds, a dance of harmony.  

In spring's embrace, life awakens anew,  

Blossoms bloom, painting the canvas in hues.

Summer's fiery gaze, a radiant display,  

Life's vibrant energy in the sun's ballet.  

Monsoon's rhythm, a poetic downpour,  

Nature's tears and laughter, forevermore.

Autumn whispers secrets in rustling leaves,  

A dance of change as the landscape grieves.  

Winter's hush, a tranquil lullaby,  

Nature rests beneath the silent sky.

Now let's do Interpretation through Indian Seasonal Grid:

Spring (Vasant):

The poem's mention of blossoms blooming aligns with the rejuvenating energy of spring. In the Indian seasonal grid, Vasant symbolizes new beginnings and vitality, and the poem captures the essence of this season with its imagery of life awakening.

Summer (Grishma):

The vibrant energy described during summer resonates with Grishma. The sun's radiant display and the mention of life's energetic dance align with the intensity of this season, where nature is in full bloom.

Monsoon (Varsha):

The rhythmic downpour in the monsoon aligns with Varsha. The tears and laughter of nature depicted in the poem reflect the emotional and dramatic nature of the rainy season in the Indian context.

Autumn (Sharad):

Autumn's presence is felt in the poem's reference to rustling leaves and a dance of change. Sharad, symbolizing maturity and transformation, echoes through the lines describing the landscape grieving in a dance of change.

Winter (Hemant/Shishir):

The tranquil lullaby and nature resting beneath the silent sky align with the serenity of winter. Whether it be Hemant or Shishir, the poem captures the quiet and reflective nature associated with the colder months.

This archetypal approach intertwines with the Indian seasonal grid, showcasing how the essence of the poem mirrors the cyclical rhythm of nature in the Indian context.

Thank you 😊

Word Count : 1616

Images : 3