“The Soldier,” “Dulce et Decorum Est,” and “Be Ye Men of Valor” By: Jasper, Brett, Mike, and Nick

Introduction to Modernism Modernism – a historical term that refers to a new literary and artistic movement that developed in the early 1900s and continued through the 1940s.

“The Soldier” by Rupert Brooke Background: Even though British soldiers felt a strong urge to fight in order to preserve and defend the world they knew, the horrors of the war increasingly led them to become disillusioned with their cause. Rupert Brooke wrote the poem at the beginning of the war when most soldiers believed in the justness of their cause and sought to reassure their families back home When the horrors of WWI became widely known, Brooke’s poetry suffered a loss of popularity. He died in 1915 from blood poisoning, he never saw combat.

“The Soldier” by Rupert Brooke Summary The Soldier is the poem that uses his dead body as a symbol for England. He wants to be remembered for how he died and how he represented his country. He uses imagery to describe an ideal vision of England. Death has occurred at the end of the poem. Patriotism is a universal theme throughout the poem.

“Dulce et Decorum Est” by Wilfred Owen Background: World War I saw new weapons and technology never before seen on battlefields. Gas, machine guns, tanks, flamethrowers. Trench warfare Owen died in 1918, one week before the war ended.

“Dulce et Decorum Est” by Wilfred Owen Summary: The poem paints in stark images the brutality of war. The horrors of combat far outweighs its glory. A friend dying in a gas attack is depicted as well as the effects it has on the author. Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori = “it is sweet and honorable to die for one’s country”

“Be Ye Men of Valor” by Winston Churchill Background: His career in politics was inspired by a Pretoria POW camp. During WWII Churchill inspired the English people with his words of patriotism and hope. In his speech Churchill insists on victory, and he refuses to negotiate or compromise with Hitler.

“Be Ye Men of Valor” by Winston Churchill Summary: He spoke to the English people at a time when morale was suffering from nightly bombing raids and military defeats on the continent. His words were meant to inspire his country with faith that they could pull through and achieve victory against the Nazi juggernaut.

“Be Ye Men of Valor” Speech Listen to Winston Churchill’s “Be Ye Men of Valor” speech

Comprehension Questions In “The Soldier,” what is the attitude of the speaker toward his homeland? How does “Dulce et Decorum Est” challenge the idea that war is glorious? Why does Owen say that “Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori” is a lie? What kind of mood is Winston Churchill in in the beginning of his speech? What does Winston Churchill say the British military is dealing with right now?