The soldier

• If I should die, think only this of me


  He's risking his life for his country, glory, will be remembered and recognised
• "That there's some corner of a foreign field that is forever England"


  Rupert Brooke

  Patriotic poem

  Not as bitter and realistic as later war poems because the author died at the beginning of the war, but he portrays that there is a sense of superiority fighting for England and he is proud /patriotic
• In that rich earth a richer dust concealed


  This dust is the remains of him, but he is putting beauty into death, the richness of the soil and of himself, since he is English, sense of superiority again, like holy ashes to ashes, there is still good things to be found
• A body of England's, breathing English air


  repetition of words linked to England makes the love the speaker has for the country seem overwhelming The repetition of England/English represents the central importance of his love for his country.
• Washed by the rivers blest by sun's of home


  These are also images taken from nature, but also have religious connotations. These are metaphors. 'Washed' could be a reference to baptism, while the sun is blessing him, which is another religious concept. They should protect this pretty land
• And think, this heart, all evil shed away,


  The soldier quote suggesting evil has left his heart, they can reach salvation by fighting
• And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness


  They list what England have provided them and how nurturing they have been provided by
• Context

  Brooke

  Soldier for Ww1 but never fought

  He died of a mosquito bite infection

  Most ppl back then were christian

  Familiarity of bible e.g ashes to ashes like duct to dust
• Structure

  Sonnet, ababcdcdefgefg,