This term paper deals with the poem “1914: The Soldier“ from Rupert Brooke, focusing on the transmitted emotions with their functions and the achieved effect.
The particular language and usage of several stylistic, as well as structural devices in a poem are not chosen by coincidence and in order to understand the included message, a detailed analysis of the poem will be provided in the following chapter (cf. 2.) as foundation for the following studies. The third chapter (cf. 3.) contains an extensive consideration of the emotions used in the poem and how they are transmitted to the reader. Furthermore, the effects of those emotions and the intended functions will be examined.
Due to the fact, that people are influenceable through rhetoric devices, the following thesis will be validated: The strong usage of positive and patriotic emotions is able to manipulate the reader, in order to present the terrible act of dying during a war as something desirable.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Structural and Semantic Analysis of “1904: The Soldier” by Rupert Brooke
3 Emotions in “1914: The Solider“ by Rupert Brooke
3.1 Effects of transmitted Emotions in the Sonnet
3.2 Functions of those transmitted Emotions
4 Conclusion
5 Bibliography
Objectives and Topics
This academic paper examines the linguistic and structural mechanisms used in Rupert Brooke’s poem "1914: The Soldier" to transmit specific patriotic emotions, aiming to analyze how the text functions as a manipulative tool to portray death in war as a desirable and heroic act.
- Structural and stylistic analysis of the sonnet form.
- Examination of the persona and the communicative situation within the poem.
- Investigation of personification and imagery related to England.
- Analysis of the rhetoric of war and the glorification of sacrifice.
- The role of emotional persuasion and the psychological impact on the reader.
Excerpt from the Book
Structural and Semantic Analysis of “1904: The Soldier” by Rupert Brooke
In order to understand to intended meaning and the transmitted message of a poem, it is necessary to examine the structural features as well as the stylistic devices. Form and meaning build a strong entity and a detailed analysis will give a deep look into the world of those written words.
The poem “1914: The Soldier“ is a special form kind of poem, because it is a sonnet. It consists of one octave made up of two quatrains and one sestet made up of two tercets. It is axiomatic, that this choice is probably well-considered, because almost all sonnets follow a logical structure, which contributes to the intended meaning, as well as in this one. In the octave, the lyrical subject philosophizes about his possible death and his grave in a positive way, whereas the sestet depicts this spiritual afterlife.
The title suggests that this sonnet is about a soldier in the year 1914, which was the beginning year of World War I. When thinking about soldiers during the first world war, the main idea are basically about brutality, physical and mental torture and rugged countries with destroyed landscape, houses and the whole environment. The sonnet however does not pay attention to those terrible characteristics of World War I, instead it is a positive presentation of the hypothetical death of a soldier.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Introduces the significance of poetry as a communicative medium and outlines the thesis that Rupert Brooke’s poem utilizes patriotic emotions to reframe death in war as something desirable.
2 Structural and Semantic Analysis of “1904: The Soldier” by Rupert Brooke: Provides a detailed examination of the sonnet's structure, rhyme scheme, and stylistic devices, while discussing the persona and the poet's biographical context.
3 Emotions in “1914: The Solider“ by Rupert Brooke: Explores the specific emotions embedded in the text, focusing on how imagery and personification of England are used to influence the reader's perspective.
3.1 Effects of transmitted Emotions in the Sonnet: Analyzes how the choice of words creates a joyful and secure atmosphere that paradoxically contrasts with the reality of war.
3.2 Functions of those transmitted Emotions: Investigates the manipulative function of the poem, arguing that it serves as an appeal to soldiers to view sacrifice as a heroic, rewarding act.
4 Conclusion: Summarizes the findings, affirming that the sonnet acts as a powerful artistic medium for glorifying the homeland and manipulating the mindset of the reader regarding war and death.
5 Bibliography: Lists the academic sources and texts consulted for the analysis.
Keywords
Rupert Brooke, 1914: The Soldier, World War I, Sonnet, Literary Analysis, Patriotism, War Poetry, Emotional Persuasion, Rhetorical Devices, Personification, Manipulation, Sacrifice, England, Death, Imagery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on Rupert Brooke's sonnet "1914: The Soldier," analyzing how its stylistic and rhetorical features are used to communicate specific patriotic emotions.
What is the central research question?
The research investigates whether the intense use of positive and patriotic emotions in the poem serves to manipulate the reader into perceiving death in war as a desirable and heroic act.
What primary methodology is applied in this study?
The study employs a close literary analysis, examining the structural features, rhyme schemes, personification, and symbolic language of the sonnet to understand its communicative intent.
What are the main thematic pillars of the work?
The main themes include the glorification of the homeland, the representation of death as a spiritual transition, the use of England as a mother figure, and the psychological impact of war rhetoric.
How is the main part of the paper structured?
The main part is divided into a structural and semantic analysis of the poem followed by an in-depth examination of the emotions transmitted, their effects on the reader, and their functional intent.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
The research is characterized by terms such as patriotism, emotional manipulation, literary analysis, war poetry, and the personification of the homeland.
Why does the author associate the persona in the poem with Rupert Brooke himself?
The author argues that because Brooke was a soldier in World War I who wrote the poem during the conflict, his personal experiences and intense love for England strongly suggest that the lyrical subject is an expression of the poet's own values.
How does the poem use the concept of "English heaven"?
The author interprets "English heaven" as a symbolic climax of holiness, which serves to suggest that dying for one's country is not just a sacrifice, but a path to the highest form of redemption and eternal peace.
In what way does the poem function as an "advertisement"?
The analysis suggests the poem acts as an advertisement by using an idyllic, peaceful tone to influence other soldiers, encouraging them to view the horror of war as a manageable price for serving their "motherland."
What is the significance of the "mother" metaphor in the text?
The personification of England as a mother is seen as a moralistic device that triggers a protective instinct in the reader, making the prospect of fighting and dying for one's country feel like a natural, honorable, and obligatory act.
- Quote paper
- Elisabeth Golisch (Author), 2018, Emotions and their Functions in Rupert Brooke’s "1914: The Soldier", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/452484
