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
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
"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"
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"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...
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