War Poetry

This blog task is part of thinking activity given by Vaidehi ma'am. Here is written about that.

• Compare any two poems with reference to the subject, style of writing and patriotism.

Ans->

∆ The Soldier - 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 Fear – Wilfrid Wilson Gibson

I do not fear to die

'Neath the open sky,

To meet death in the fight

Face to face, upright.

But when at last we creep

Into a hole to sleep,

I tremble, cold with dread,

Lest I wake up dead. 

-> These two poems are about war, but they have different styles and ideas about patriotism.

"The Soldier" by Rupert Brooke talks about dying for one's country. It says that even if the soldier dies in a foreign land, a part of that land will always be England. The poem uses beautiful language and imagery to express love for England.

"The Fear" by Wilfrid Wilson Gibson is about the fear of dying in war. It says that the soldier doesn't fear dying in battle, but they do fear dying in a cramped trench. The poem is simpler in style and shows the vulnerability and anxiety of soldiers.

Both poems show different perspectives on war and patriotism. "The Soldier" focuses on sacrifice and a deep connection to one's homeland, while "The Fear" highlights the fear and uncertainty that soldiers face.

• Note down the difference of all war poets.

Ans->

1. Wilfred Owen ("Dulce et Decorum Est"):

   - Themes: Owen's poetry often depicts the harsh realities and horrors of war, focusing on the suffering of soldiers and the disillusionment with patriotic propaganda.

   - Tone: Owen's tone is often bitter and condemning, as he seeks to expose the falsehoods of glorifying war.

   - Perspective: Owen's perspective is anti-war, emphasizing the brutal and dehumanizing nature of combat.

2. Rupert Brooke ("The Soldier"):

   - Themes: Brooke's poetry often reflects a romanticized view of war, idealizing sacrifice and patriotism.

   - Tone: Brooke's tone is patriotic and idealistic, celebrating the nobility of dying for one's country.

   - Perspective: Brooke's perspective is pro-war, presenting a romanticized vision of heroism and sacrifice.

3. Wilfrid Wilson Gibson ("The Fear"):

   - Themes: Gibson's poetry often explores the psychological effects of war on soldiers, particularly fear and trauma.

   - Tone: Gibson's tone is somber and introspective, conveying the emotional toll of war.

   - Perspective: Gibson's perspective emphasizes the human cost of war, highlighting the fear and anxiety experienced by soldiers.

4. Siegfried Sassoon ("The Hero"):

   - Themes: Sassoon's poetry often critiques the glorification of war and the incompetence of military leadership.

   - Tone: Sassoon's tone is satirical and critical, exposing the hypocrisy and folly of war.

   - Perspective: Sassoon's perspective is anti-establishment, challenging the romanticized notions of heroism and bravery in war.

5. Ivor Gurney ("The Target"):

   - Themes: Gurney's poetry often reflects the chaos and confusion of battle, as well as the sense of isolation and alienation experienced by soldiers.

   - Tone: Gurney's tone is haunting and melancholic, conveying the psychological disorientation of war.

   - Perspective: Gurney's perspective is introspective, focusing on the individual experiences and struggles of soldiers amidst the chaos of war.

• Do you find any such regional poem/movies/web series/songs which can be compared to any one of the poems given here. Also, give a proper explanation of the similarity. 

Ans->

"The Soldier" by Rupert Brooke:

   - Similar Example: Song - "Maa Tujhe Salaam" by A.R. Rahman

   - Explanation: "Maa Tujhe Salaam" is a patriotic song that celebrates the love for one's homeland, much like Brooke's poem celebrates the idea of sacrificing one's life for the glory of one's country. Both the song and the poem evoke a sense of national pride and honor, portraying the willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good. They both capture a sentiment of devotion and loyalty towards one's nation, albeit in different cultural contexts.