A sonnet written in the first-person speaker, the Soldier reveals the passion and courage of those that fought in the war. The poem begins with an apprehensive tone, stating, If I should die, think only this of me. By recognizing the possibility of death through the equivocation in the term if in the first-person perspective, the speaker becomes much more personal. As a result, the audience is instilled with pathos due to the menacing situation (war) in which the soldier is in. However, the clear assertion think directed towards the reader establishes the poets sense of excited urgency to convey his fond sentiment for death. Furthermore, the pathos rapidly diminishes due to the lack of terms with fearful and distressing connotations. Rupert, instead, replaces the usual despondent tone of war-writing with sanguine language. For example, the references are to life in the phrases a pulse in the eternal mind and dreams happy as her day; and laughter, learnt of friends, encouraging the reader to not grieve. Terms such as dreams happy, laughter, and friends emphasize happiness through their jovial connotations, and create a much more idealistic attitude towards war. This is quite ironic, especially due to the tenor of the poem. Additionally, the colon at the end of the phrase suggests that a list of expectations, in compensation for his likely death, will follow. This style is similar to a letter, and t
hus interlinks with the idea of departure, both for war and the afterlife.
Moreover, the theme of nationalism is explored through the use of figurative language. As represented in the phrase, that theres some corner of a foreign field that is forever England, the poet implies that nationhood is an embodiment of identity. The term some in the phrase some corner suggests anywhere by even a minuscule amount, and corner expresses the ends/borders of. Consequently, Rupert implies his aspirations for the presence of England anywhere, as long as it is in existence. This message is further intensified through the use of enjambment from line two to three to symbolize the soldiers stretched distance away from home. The continuation of the sentence That theres some corner of a foreign field/That is for ever England in separate lines also isolates That is for ever England to provide emphasis. As a result, the significance and potency of the poets nation is further embedded within the reader. Not only so, but the phrase foreign field employs alliteration with the consonant f, that provides a flow for an elongated acoustic effect. Consequently, Rupert Brooke stresses the sense of unfamiliarity and distance, implying the limitless possibilities of the occupation of England. Thus, Rupert figuratively transforms this foreign field into a part of England, and implies that his demise would be a victory for England.