The Soldier

By: Rupert Brooke

If I should die, think only this of me
That there’s some corner of a foreign field
That is forever England. There shall be
In that rich earth a richer dust concealed
A Dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware

“The Soldier” illuminates the true passion and commit a soldier possesses for their country, in this case England. That extreme loyalty can be applied and acknowledged throughout history and around the world. This passage represents the nobility of a soldiers death and the pure honor a solider dies with, carrying his cause even after death. “In that rich earth a rich dust concealed,” signifies the honorable traits a solider dies with and then after carries into his death bed; and “That is forever England,” implies that’s no matter the earth in which the soldier is buried in, even if the land is over taken by an opposing country, that earth will always be England. This passage speaks strongly to the patriotic side of any reader. Even if England isn’t their nationality, the reader is simply moved by the peace from the strong national pride presented.

One tactic the author uses is his ability to use a specific example to spark the ambitions of others with different interests. By explaining the soldier’s genuine pride, spirit, and passion for his country ignites a fire within the reader to build a similar form of genuine pride, and passion for something within their own life. The attitude of pride and belonging to something greater than yourself is a good positive emotion that many desire. This technique intrigues the reader to continue to read the passage, in addition to feeling engaged in the reading. Ultimately, with the use of the method, the reader feels initiative to build pride and a similar connection with something in their life.