Analysing Brooke's presentation of England and patriotism in 'The Soldier'
I can analyse how Brooke uses language, form and structure to express his patriotism.
Analysing Brooke's presentation of England and patriotism in 'The Soldier'
I can analyse how Brooke uses language, form and structure to express his patriotism.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Brooke uses personification to portray England as a mother figure, who has nurtured and cared for him his whole life.
- Brooke presents England as a superior nation; he portrays England as idyllic to illustrate his patriotism.
- The image of an “English heaven” reflects Brooke's hopes of being reunited with England in the event of his death.
- Brooke uses the sonnet form perhaps to reflect his love for, and devotion to, England.
- Brooke subverts conventions of traditional sonnets, perhaps because his love for England is familial and not romantic.
Keywords
Patriotism - showing a devotion to, and love for one’s country
Superior - more important/powerful/valuable than something else
Nurturing - to take care of and protect something or someone
Sonnet - a poem with 14 lines and a regular rhyme scheme
Idyllic - extremely perfect and/or picturesque
Common misconception
Students might think that Brooke fought and died in the war because he wrote a war poem.
Although Brooke bravely volunteered to fight in the war, he never actually engaged in any military action. Unfortunately, Brooke died from septicaemia on a ship en route to battle.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Analysing Brooke's presentation of England and patriotism in 'The Soldier', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Analysing Brooke's presentation of England and patriotism in 'The Soldier', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 english lessons from the Poetry anthology unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the Eduqas poetry anthology for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
showing a devotion to, and love for one’s country
more important/powerful/valuable than something else
to take care of and protect something or someone
extremely perfect and/or picturesque