History of English Literature.

Name :parmar Nidhi Shamjibhai

Semester : 2 

M. A part 1

Paper : History of English Literature From 1900 to 2000

(Paper no 110) 

 

~Class Assignment :

Q 1.Write a short note on war poem  'The Soldiers'by Robert Bruke? 

The Soldier by Rupert Brooke

Rupert Brooke:

Rupert Brooke (1887-1915) was an English poet best known for his works that convey themes of patriotism, youth, and the romanticized idea of war. Born in Rugby, England, he was educated at King's College, Cambridge, where he became deeply involved in literary circles. His early works were often filled with idealism and an appreciation for the beauty of nature. Brooke is most famous for his poetry written during World War I, particularly his sonnet The Soldier, which embodies the fervor and patriotism of the early days of the war. His poems reflected the belief that dying for one's country was noble, with England portrayed as a nurturing and almost sacred place. These works resonated deeply with the British public at the time, as they were written before the devastating realities of the war became fully apparent.

Tragically, Rupert Brooke died at the young age of 27 from blood poisoning, while serving in the Royal Navy in the Mediterrancan. His death meant he did not experience the horrors of trench warfare, which may have changed the tone of his poetry had he lived longer. Despite this, his works remain iconic, representing the youthful idealism and patriotism of the early 20th century, though they are often viewed as sentimental in hindsight.

Introduction:

"The Soldier" is a poem by Rupert Brooke, written in 1914 during the early days of World War I. It is a patriotic poem that shows a soldier's deep love for his country. England. The poem describes England as a beautiful and nurturing place, and the soldier believes that even if he dies in war, a part of England will always remain with him. At the time, people admired the poem because it reflected their excitement about the war. However, today it is seen as unrealistic because it does not show the true horrors of war. Still, it remains an important example of patriotic poetry.

Summary:

                        If I die in the war, I want to be remembered in a special way. The distant land where I fall will always hold a part of England. My body, made from England's soil, will enrich the earth there. England gave me life, awareness, and the beauty of its flowers to admire. It also gave me freedom. I have always belonged to England, breathing its air, cleansed by its rivers, and warmed by its sun.

           Through death, my soul will become pure. My consciousness will merge with the eternal, like a steady heartbeat, carrying back the beautiful thoughts England gave me I will return to the sights and sounds of my homeland, the joyful dreams as bright as England's daylight, and the laughter shared with English friends. I will also return to England's kindness, which lives in peaceful English hearts beneath the English sky-the same peaceful heaven where I too will find rest.

Thematic Study of The Soldier

Rupert Brooke's poem The Soldier explores several key themes, including patriot sacrifice, national identity, idealism, and the afterlife. These themes reflect soldier's deep emotional and spiritual connection to England, shaping the pos message and impact.

1. Patriotism and National Pride

The poem is a strong expression of love for one's country. The speaker sees England as a source of beauty, identity, and even moral goodness. He believes that dying for England is not just honorable but a way to ensure that a part of his homeland lives on, even in foreign lands. The poem reflects the early enthusiasm for World War I, when soldiers and civilians alike viewed war as a noble duty.

2. Sacrifice for the Homeland

The idea of self-sacrifice is central to the poem. The speaker is fully prepared to give his life for England, believing that his death will serve a greater purpose. Rather than fearing death, he sees it as a way to give back to his country, as his body will enrich the land where he falls. This theme reflects the widespread belief at the time that serving one's country in war was the ultimate act of loyalty.

3. National Identity and Belonging

The poem suggests that a person's identity is deeply tied to their homeland. The speaker believes that England has shaped him his thoughts, emotions, and even his physical being. He describes England not just as a place but as a nurturing force that has given him.

everything he values. This theme emphasizes the idea that one's country is more than just land; it is part of who they are.

4. Idealism and Romanticized War

Unlike later war poets who depicted the brutality of battle, Brooke presents an idealized and peaceful vision of war. The soldier does not think about suffering or violence; instead, he focuses on the honor of serving England. The poem was written at the beginning of World War I when many people still believed that war was glorious and heroic. This idealistic view contrasts with the later realities of the war, which were far more tragic and devastating

5. Death and the Afterlife

The poem also explores the theme of life after death. The speaker believes that when he dies, his soul will become pure and join an eternal consciousness. Interestingly, he imagines this afterlife as specifically "English," suggesting that his bond with his homeland will last forever. This theme presents death not as an end, but as a transformation-one that allows the soldier to remain connected to England in both body and spirit.

Conclusion

Through these themes, The Soldier expresses a deep sense of national loyalty, personal sacrifice, and the belief that dying for one's country is a noble act. While it was. celebrated at the time for its patriotic and uplifting message, modern readers often view it as overly idealistic, given the harsh realities of war. Nevertheless, the poem remains a powerful reflection of early wartime attitudes and the strong emotional connection between a soldier and his homeland.

Home Assignment :

Q 2 write characteristics of 20th century english literature

Introduction : 

The twentieth century marked a decisive turning point in English literature, shaped by rapid social, political, and technological changes. The stability and moral certainty of the Victorian age gave way to uncertainty, experimentation, and modernist innovation. Writers began to question traditional values, authority, religion, and even the structure of storytelling itself. Literature became a powerful medium to reflect the fragmented and complex realities of modern life.

Historical Background

The 20th century was deeply influenced by major events such as the First and Second World Wars, industrialization, and the rise of socialist and political movements. These events shattered traditional beliefs and created widespread disillusionment. Scientific progress and technological advancement transformed daily life, while mass production and consumerism reshaped social values. The decline of religious authority and the rise of existential thought led individuals to question faith and purpose. In response to this turbulent environment, writers adopted modernist techniques such as fragmentation and stream of consciousness to express alienation, uncertainty, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.

Characteristics of 20th-Century English Literature

The 20th century was a period of radical shifts in literature, influenced by war,

technological advancements, social movements, and philosophical debates. Writers

experimented with new forms and ideas, breaking away from past traditions. Below are

the defining characteristics of literature from this era, with detailed explanations:

1. Modernism and Experimentation

Modernist literature rejected the conventions of the 19th century, favoring innovation in

form and style to reflect the complexities of modern life.

● Fragmented Narratives: Instead of traditional linear storytelling, modernist

writers used fragmented and disjointed narratives to mimic the uncertainty of the

modern world. The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot is a prime example, blending

multiple voices and literary references.

● Stream of Consciousness: This technique, used by James Joyce (Ulysses) and

Virginia Woolf (Mrs. Dalloway), sought tacapture the inner workings of the

human mind by presenting thoughts as a continuous flow, often without punctuation or clear structure.

● Symbolism and Allusions: Modernist works often included dense symbolism,

referencing mythology, classical texts, and history to convey deeper meanings.

● Rejection of Romanticism and Realism: Instead of idealizing life or depicting it

realistically, modernist literature often focused on alienation, absurdity, and inner

turmoil.

2. Realism and Psychological Depth

While modernists experimented with form, other writers continued exploring realism but

with a deeper psychological focus.

● Freudian Influence: Sigmund Freud’s theories on the unconscious mind and

repressed desires shaped literature, with characters portrayed as complex and

psychologically nuanced. D.H. Lawrence’s Sons and Lovers explores Oedipal

conflicts and emotional struggles.

● Complex Characters: 20th-century literature delved into the inner lives of

characters, portraying them as flawed, conflicted, and shaped by their past

experiences.

● Social Realism: Writers like George Orwell (The Road to Wigan Pier) and John

Steinbeck (The Grapes of Wrath) focused on the struggles of the working class,

highlighting social injustices and economic hardships.

3. Social and Political Criticism

The political upheavals of the 20th century—World Wars, decolonization, and the rise of

authoritarian regimes—shaped literature into a tool for social critique.

● Critique of Totalitarianism: George Orwell’s 1984 and Aldous Huxley’s Brave

New World warned of government control, propaganda, and the dangers of an

all-powerful state.

● Postcolonial Literature: Writers from former colonies, such as Chinua Achebe

(Things Fall Apart) and Salman Rushdie (Midnight’s Children), challenged

Western narratives and explored themes of identity, cultural loss, and resistance.

● Marxist Influence: Some writers, influenced by Karl Marx’s ideas, depicted class

struggle and economic oppression. The works of Bertolt Brecht and the early

works of George Orwell reflected socialist concerns.

4. War and Its Aftermath

The devastation of two World Wars deeply influenced literature, with writers exploring

themes of trauma, loss, and existential despair.

● Anti-War Sentiment: Many authors and poets rejected the glorification of war.

Wilfred Owen’s Dulce et Decorum Est exposed the horrors of World War I, while

Erich Maria Remarque’s All Quiet on the Western Front depicted the emotional

and physical toll of war on soldiers.

● Disillusionment and Post-War Angst: The idea that war had shattered old values

and left people directionless was common. Existentialist works like Jean-Paul

Sartre’s No Exit and Albert Camus’s The Plague reflected this loss of certainty.

● Cold War Themes: Later in the century, literature reflected the paranoia and

political tensions of the Cold War. Orwell’s Animal Farm critiqued the failures of

revolution and totalitarian regimes.

5. Existentialism and Alienation

Many 20th-century writers explored the themes of isolation, meaninglessness, and the

absurdity of life, often influenced by existentialist philosophy.

● Search for Meaning: Novels like Franz Kafka’s The Trial and Samuel Beckett’s

Waiting for Godot depict characters trapped in situations beyond their control,

reflecting human helplessness in an indifferent universe.

● Absurdism: Literature often portrayed life as chaotic and meaningless, rejecting

traditional narratives. Beckett’s plays and Albert Camus’s The Stranger illustrate

this sense of existential absurdity.

● Alienation in the Modern World: Characters often struggle to connect with

society, feeling estranged from traditional values and institutions.

6. Rise of Feminism and Gender Themes

The 20th century saw major advances in women's rights, reflected in literature that

examined gender roles, oppression, and female identity.

● Women’s Independence: Virginia Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own argued for

women’s financial and intellectual freedom, influencing feminist literary thought.

● Breaking Gender Norms: Writers like Sylvia Plath (The Bell Jar) and Doris

Lessing (The Golden Notebook) explored the struggles of women in

male-dominated societies.

● Critique of Patriarchy: Literature began to challenge traditional gender roles,

highlighting the pressures and limitations placed on women.

7. Postmodernism and Deconstruction

Emerging in the latter half of the century, postmodernism rejected the idea of absolute

truth, embracing irony, ambiguity, and playfulness in literature.

● Metafiction: Stories that acknowledge their own fictional nature, such as John

Barth’s Lost in the Funhouse and Italo Calvino’s If on a Winter’s Night a Traveler,

became popular.

● Blending of Genres: Postmodern literature mixed different styles and genres,

breaking traditional literary boundaries.

● Intertextuality: Many works referenced and reinterpreted past literature, using

parody and satire to question historical narratives.

● Skepticism Toward Grand Narratives: Postmodernists distrusted overarching

explanations of history, science, and society, reflecting a fragmented and uncertain

worldview.

8. Influence of Technology and Media

As mass media, television, and digital culture expanded, literature responded by

questioning their impact on society.

● Dystopian Warnings: Books like 1984 and Brave New World explored the

dangers of surveillance, propaganda, and media manipulation.

● The Rise of Cyberpunk: In the late 20th century, works like William Gibson’s

Neuromancer depicted futuristic societies dominated by technology and artificial

intelligence.

● Critique of Consumerism: Writers examined how advertising and mass

production influenced identity and culture. Don DeLillo’s White Noise explores

the overwhelming presence of media in everyday life.

Conclusion

The 20th century was a period of literary revolution, driven by social change,

technological progress, and philosophical inquiry. Writers experimented with form and

content, responding to war, political upheaval, and the human struggle for meaning.Literature became a platform for challenging authority, questioning tradition, and exploring new ways of understanding the world.

Essay :

Q 3 write a detail note on  poem ‘The Hero' by Siegfried Sassoon

Introduction :

The Hero is a war poem by Siegfried Sassoon that exposes the false glorification of soldiers’ deaths during World War I. The poem tells the story of a young soldier who is killed in action. A military officer lies to the soldier’s mother, telling her that her son died bravely and heroically. In reality, the soldier died in fear and distress. Through irony and satire, Sassoon criticizes how authorities and society hide the brutal truth of war, creating comforting stories instead of revealing its harsh realities. The poem highlights the contrast between public notions of heroism and the painful truth experienced by soldiers.

Poem : 

Historical Background of  poem

“The Hero” was written during World War I, a time when patriotic propaganda and idealized images of soldiers were common in Britain. Sassoon himself served as a soldier on the Western Front and witnessed the brutal realities of trench warfare. His personal experiences deeply influenced his poetry.

During the war, many families were told that their sons had died bravely and heroically. However, the real circumstances of death were often far more tragic, chaotic, or even senseless. This contrast between public image and private reality forms the core background of the poem.

Literary Movement 

The poem belongs to World War I literature, which shifted from patriotic celebration to realism and protest as the war progressed.

About the poet :

Siegfried Sassoon:

Siegfried Sassoon (1886–1967) was an English poet and soldier, best known for his poignant and anti-war poetry written during World War I. Initially influenced by Romantic poets, his early works expressed idealism and patriotism, but his experiences in the trenches led him to adopt a more realistic and critical tone. Sassoon's poetry vividly captured the horrors of war, contrasting the glorified notions of heroism with the brutal reality faced by soldiers. His works, including the famous poems "Dying" and "Suicide in the Trenches", are among the most significant contributions to war poetry, alongside those of Wilfred Owen. Sassoon’s own actions in the war were marked by bravery, though his disillusionment with the war became evident, and he used his poetry to challenge the romanticized portrayal of war.

Detailed Summary of the Poem:

In "Hero", Siegfried Sassoon explores the devastating impact of war on the individuals left behind, particularly the soldier's mother. The poem begins with the line, "Jack fell as he'd have wished", which immediately highlights the delusion that both society and the mother hold. The idea that anyone would "wish" for a violent, tragic death in war is a false comfort. Sassoon suggests that such beliefs are used to justify sending young soldiers to fight, as society convinces

itself that they die for a noble cause.

The capitalization of "Mother" elevates her from an individual to a symbol of Britain itself,

suggesting that the nation's collective delusion about the nature of war is embodied in her. This idea is reinforced when she reads the letter, "the Colonel writes so nicely", which wraps up the harsh truth of her son's death in sanitized, comforting words. The Colonel’s polite tone is a stark contrast to the grim reality, and it lulls the mother into accepting the false narrative of her son’s death.

Sassoon captures the emotional complexity of the mother's reaction. Her voice is described as "tired", as though the weight of the grief and the long struggle of accepting the loss has worn her down. This weariness almost leads to a sense of relief, a feeling of guilt for finding some comfort in the lie she's been told. The final image of the "choke" in her voice symbolizes her inability to express her true feelings, trapped by the false narrative of her son’s death. By resigning herself to the comforting lie, she suppresses any anger or rebellion she may have felt.

In "Hero", Sassoon critiques the way war is glorified and the tragic consequences of such

glorification. The poem shows how the truth of death in war is often hidden behind comforting

lies, and the emotional toll this takes on those left to mourn.

'She half looked up. "We mothers are so proudOf our dead soldiers." Then her face

was bowed.

 

'In "Hero", the use of rhyming couplets is a powerful stylistic choice that helps Sassoon deliver moral lessons quickly and effectively. The mother’s statement, "We mothers are so proud Of our dead soldiers," leads to her "bowed" head, signaling her surrender to the comforting lie of patriotism. Her posture—submissive and defeated undermines the archetypal image of the

strong, protective mother, revealing how she has been absorbed into the larger narrative. The individual grief of the mother is overshadowed by the collective numbness of other mothers, all of them surrendering to the idealized version of war. This portrayal suggests that the soldiers, much like the mothers, have become faceless pawns in a larger game, their deaths reduced to

mere symbols of national pride.

Sassoon’s choice of rhyming couplets can also be seen as mimicking the way propaganda is

delivered in bold, catchy phrases—much like the loud, attention-grabbing headlines in

newspapers that seek to justify the war. These headlines push a narrative that obscures the

painful truth, encouraging society to accept the glorified image of war. Sassoon, a vocal critic of wartime propaganda, uses this style to highlight the falsehoods propagated by official

communication. The poem’s structure reinforces the idea that the seemingly neat and controlled narrative about war is, in reality, hollow and misleading. The mother's quiet acceptance of this narrative illustrates the widespread impact of this false propaganda, which not only manipulates her, but also diminishes the true sacrifice and suffering of those involved.

In "Hero", the "Brother Officer" who delivers the news of the soldier’s death becomes part of the grieving family, further emphasizing Sassoon’s portrayal of the nation as one large,

interconnected family. This idea suggests that the loss of each soldier is not just the mother’s

pain to bear, but a collective sorrow shared by the entire country. The officer refers to the mother as a "poor old dear", someone he can tell "gallant lies" to, reinforcing the disconnect between the home front and the brutal realities of war. The officer's discomfort is revealed when he"coughs and mumbles", suggesting that he, too, is uneasy with the lies he is forced to tell.

However, the mother’s eyes "shone with gentle triumph", showing that she does not require the

lie to believe in it—she has already been feeding herself this false narrative, finding comfort in it.

This points to the willful self-deception of the mother, who, in her grief, takes solace in the

glorified idea of her son's death. She feels "joy" in his sacrifice, imagining that his bravery

somehow reflects her own pride. However, Sassoon’s use of the alliterative "glorious boy" could also be interpreted differently. The repetition of the "b" sound might emphasize the barelycontained sorrow in the mother’s heart. Her eyes, instead of shining with pride, could be brimming with tears, her triumph replaced by the raw emotion of grief. This shift in interpretation deepens the emotional complexity of the mother’s reaction, showing that while she may outwardly express pride, her internal sorrow is undeniable.

Sassoon uses this contrast to illustrate the powerful tension between national pride and personal pain, and how the glorified image of war is often at odds with the heartbreaking reality that soldiers and their families face.

In the third stanza of "Hero", Sassoon shifts the perspective to the soldier's point of view,

focusing on "Jack". The use of quotation marks around "Jack" is significant, as it

depersonalizes him, reducing him to a mere symbol or type of soldier. By doing this, Sassoon universalizes Jack’s experience, making him representative of all soldiers, rather than an individual.

Additionally, the nickname "Mad Jack", which Sassoon himself was sometimes called due to his reckless behavior, adds an autobiographical layer to the poem, suggesting that Sassoon may be reflecting on his own actions and feelings during the war.

The phrase "cold-footed, useless swine" is a brutal self-assessment, possibly reflecting the guilt and fear that all soldiers, including Sassoon, felt on the front lines. The soldiers were often

terrified, unsure of what they were meant to do in the chaos of war, leading to moments of panic, such as "panicked running" that caused them to neglect critical responsibilities, like the mine that exploded and killed Jack. Sassoon contrasts the supposed heroic message Jack had sent to his mother with the grim reality of Jack’s actual death—he didn’t die a noble hero, but instead alone, in misery, and seemingly forgotten, "no one seemed to care".

The stark contrast between the public glorification of soldiers’ deaths and the reality of their suffering underscores the poem's powerful anti-war message. The final rhyming couplet is particularly poignant, driving home the emotional weight of the poem. It highlights the truth of the soldiers' lives and deaths—lives filled with fear, confusion, and neglect, far removed from the idealized version of heroism presented to the public. The emotional punch of this final couplet leaves the reader with a sense of the futility and despair that characterized much of the war

experience for those who fought.

'And no one seemed to care,Except that lonely woman with white hair.'

The line "And no one seemed to care, / Except that lonely woman with white hair," in Siegfried

Sassoon's "Hero" emphasizes the isolation and neglect that the soldiers faced, even in death. The phrase "no one seemed to care" speaks to the cold, detached attitude of society towards the soldiers who died in war—many were forgotten, their sacrifices unacknowledged by the public.

The lack of attention contrasts sharply with the image of "that lonely woman with white hair,"

who stands as the only one who truly grieves for the soldier.The "lonely woman" could symbolize the mother, representing the personal, emotional cost of war that is often overlooked by broader society. Her "white hair" suggests age, wisdom, and perhaps the weight of sorrow, as mothers (or the older generation) bear the greatest emotional burden of war, having lost their sons. Sassoon, through this final image, underscores the stark difference between the glorified, impersonal view of war and the deep, personal loss felt by those

who are left behind. The loneliness of the woman serves as a poignant reminder of the individual tragedy amidst the collective indifference to the soldiers' deaths.

Thematic Study:

The theme of "Hero" by Siegfried Sassoon revolves around the disillusionment with the

glorification of war and the stark contrast between the public narrative of heroism and the brutal

reality faced by soldiers. The poem critiques how society, through its propaganda and idealized

portrayal of war, deceives both the families of soldiers and the soldiers themselves.

1. The Deception of Heroism: The poem examines how both the mother and society are

comforted by the false narrative of soldiers' deaths as noble sacrifices for a higher cause.

The mother, in particular, clings to this idealized version of her son's death, finding solace

in the belief that he died heroically. Sassoon shows how this idealized notion masks the

grim and painful truth of war.

2. The Impact of Propaganda: Through the officer's comforting words and the mother's

acceptance of them, Sassoon critiques the influence of wartime propaganda, which

distorts reality to justify the war. The use of "gallant lies" in the poem underscores how

false narratives about war and heroism are imposed on grieving families.

3. The Reality of War: Sassoon contrasts the public narrative with the personal pain and

fear of the soldiers. Through the perspective of Jack (the soldier), the poem reveals the

truth of war—soldiers are terrified, confused, and neglected, dying alone and

uncelebrated. The final lines, "And no one seemed to care, / Except that lonely woman

with white hair", highlight the emotional isolation of the mother, suggesting that, in the

end, only those closest to the soldiers truly understand the tragedy of their deaths.

4. The Sacrifice of the Individual: The poem also explores the emotional toll on the

individual, particularly the grieving mother. While she outwardly expressed pride in her

son's sacrifice, there is a deep undercurrent of sorrow, symbolized by her "white hair" and

the "choke" in her voice. Sassoon underscores the tension between the national pride

associated with wartime sacrifice and the personal pain that war brings to those who are

left behind.

Tone and Purpose

The tone is: Ironic

Critical Sympathetic toward the grieving mother Sassoon’s purpose was to expose the dishonesty surrounding war and challenge society’s romantic view of heroism.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Siegfried Sassoon’s "Hero" powerfully critiques the glorification of war

and the false narratives that surround it. Through the poignant portrayal of a grieving

mother and the uncomfortable truths about the realities of war, the poem exposes the

emotional manipulation of both soldiers and their families by society and propaganda.

The stark contrast between the idealized image of heroism and the grim reality faced by

soldiers serves as a sobering commentary on the true costs of war. Sassoon’s exploration

of themes such as disillusionment, self-deception, and the disconnect between public

pride and personal sorrow reinforces his anti-war stance, urging readers to reflect on the

human toll of conflict. Through "Hero", Sassoon not only questions the justification of

war but also amplifies the voices of those who suffer in silence, making it a poignant

critique of both the war itself and the way it is romanticized.