As we stated before, both literary samples circulated over the idea of war and patriotism. In “The Soldier”, Rupert Brookes personifies England as a mother to all the soldiers; in addition, he discusses the love that naturally submerges from the sense of patriotism in a soldier who fights for his country. However, in “Dunkirk” Winston Churchill, intensifies the usage of facts and evidence to explain the current situation of England, and he eventually formulates these facts to encourage people to defend their country, and save its honor from their enemies; what is more, that both literary sections tackle their themes in an explicit manner using different genres. Although both texts tackled the theme of patriotism in an explicit manner, each author (poet) has used different strategies to present his theme. In fact, the soldier presents his message through a sonnet using various techniques such as imagery and extended metaphor; on the other hand, Winston Churchill persuades his readers through facts and rhetorical devices.
Not only “The Soldier” and “Dunkirk” used precise and various techniques to convey their message, the point of view of both authors (poet) helped as well to define the message, and eventually giving it a clear-cut. The omniscient first point of view has helped to transmit the exact emotions stated by the writers. Consequently, the reader is not only able to notice the message, but also to live it and understand it. For instance, the point of view was apparent in both example through the usage of the words such as, I, me, and myself.
Moreover, both writers employed the concept of mood, tone, atmosphere, and attitude to express the significance of their message. In “The Soldier” the tone was hopeful, optimistic, pride, and joyful; as it was evident through the usage of words such as flowers, love, evil shed away, rivers, suns of home…etc. Usually, the tone is responsible for creating the mood, and this is apparent in both works. For, the mood is sturdily connected to the atmosphere in both the speech and the poem. In “The Soldier”, the mood is uplifting and encouraging. The poet generates a sense of loyalty and love towards the country, and indirectly persuades the reader to defend his country by glorifying the act of death, and devotion to one’s own country. He starts with “If I should die, think only this of me”, and ends with “in hearts at peace, under an English heaven.” Though in “Dunkirk”, the tone stimulates emotions of strength seriousness, power, authority, and position. Eventually, the mood is originated from the tone which implies a sense of hope, strength, unity and loyalty. Hence, the reader is able to experience and imagine the act of unity towards alliance; whereas, hatred and aggression towards the enemies.
And by the usage of diction, the writers were able to convey and converse the tone and the mood of both sections. For example, in “The Soldier” the explanation of the phrase “ways to roam” gives a sense of freedom, and the words blessed, heart, and peace they form a sort of harmony, optimism and joy. While, in “Dunkirk” words such as fight, confidence, storm and tyranny convey a sense of hatred towards enemies, resistance, patriotism, and authority.
As for the purpose of both works, “The Soldier” used persuasion through imagery and extended metaphor, such as, “richer dust” which refers to the dust of the dead soldiers, and “mother England” signifies how England is like a mother to its people for it bore them, shaped them, and made aware. Also, the pulse refers to the heartbeat of a soldier, and he used climatic metaphor such as “hearts of peace under an English heaven”. Moreover, Rupert also used personification when he personified England to a mother. As for the sensory images, that were placed by the writer, they were used in order to stimulate the five senses; as well as, it is used to paint a picture in the reader’s mind such as “pulse, rivers, flowers, and breathing”. Though, in “Dunkirk” persuasion was done through the usage of rhetorical devices. However there was little imagery added to the speech like “ride out the storm” and “grip of Gestapo”. He used repetition such as anaphora “we shall fight on the seas and oceans we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, and we shall fight in the fields and in the streets.” As for the sets of 3, which is also considered another form of rhetorical device, is apparent in “Dunkirk” as well. Such as, “if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, ad if the best arrangements are made”. And, there was a reference to a figure of authority, as well as, an extensive use of facts.
In the end, it is appropriate to restate the fact that both texts may have been bound together by a common theme which is war and patriotism, but can be very different due to the effective use of elements such as imagery, language, imagery, diction, and poetic forms and terms.
(Paper 1 ) English essay
Done by: layal lutfi
Teacher : Dina Said
Class :11 IB
