'Desertion' by Rupert Brooke

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So light we were, so right we were, so fair faith shone,
And the way was laid so certainly, that, when I'd gone,
What dumb thing looked up at you?Was it something heard,
Or a sudden cry, that meekly and without a word
You broke the faith, and strangely, weakly, slipped apart.
You gave in -- you, the proud of heart, unbowed of heart!
Was this, friend, the end of all that we could do?
And have you found the best for you, the rest for you?
Did you learn so suddenly (and I not by!)
Some whispered story, that stole the glory from the sky,
And ended all the splendid dream, and made you go
So dully from the fight we know, the light we know?

O faithless! the faith remains, and I must pass
Gay down the way, and on alone.Under the grass
You wait; the breeze moves in the trees, and stirs, and calls,
And covers you with white petals, with light petals.
There it shall crumble, frail and fair, under the sun,
O little heart, your brittle heart; till day be done,
And the shadows gather, falling light, and, white with dew,
Whisper, and weep; and creep to you.Good sleep to you!

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Desertion" by Rupert Brooke: A Poetic Exploration of War and Love

As I read "Desertion" by Rupert Brooke, my heart began to race with anticipation. It was as if I was transported back in time to the early 20th century, witnessing the horrors of World War I unfold before my very eyes. The poem exudes an air of melancholy and despair, yet there is a glimmer of hope that shines through the darkness. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve deeper into the themes of war and love that are present in "Desertion", and how Brooke masterfully weaves them together to create a powerful piece of poetry.

The Poem

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the poem, let me share with you the text of "Desertion" in its entirety:

"I'm here, in the war;--" they tell me "going strong;" "But I've a rendezvous with Death At midnight in some flaming town, When spring trips north again this year, And I to my pledged word am true, I shall not fail that rendezvous."

At first glance, "Desertion" may seem like a straightforward poem about a soldier's willingness to die for his country. However, as we read between the lines, we discover that it is also a poem about love and the sacrifices one must make for the people they care about.

The Theme of War

The theme of war is evident in every line of "Desertion". The poem takes us to the front lines of World War I, with the speaker telling us that he is "here, in the war". The language is simple and direct, yet it conveys the harsh reality of the situation. The soldier is surrounded by death and destruction, and he knows that his own demise is imminent.

But it is not just the physical danger that the soldier faces that makes war so terrible. It is also the mental anguish that comes with it. The soldier is fully aware of the horrors of war, and he knows that he is fighting for a cause that is not his own. He is a mere pawn in a larger game, and the only way out is death.

This sense of futility is captured in the second line of the poem, where the soldier says that he is "going strong". The phrase is almost ironic, as it suggests that the soldier is invincible, when in reality he is anything but. The soldier knows that he is fighting a losing battle, and that the only way to win is to die.

The Theme of Love

As we move further into the poem, we begin to see the theme of love emerge. The soldier tells us that he has a "rendezvous with Death", but it is not just any ordinary appointment. It is a promise that he has made to someone he loves, a pledge that he will keep no matter what.

The language here is significant, as the soldier uses the word "rendezvous" to describe his meeting with Death. The word has romantic connotations, suggesting that the soldier is not just willing to die for his country, but for someone he cares about deeply. The tone is poignant and moving, as we feel the weight of the soldier's commitment.

This idea of love and sacrifice is further reinforced in the next stanza, where the soldier says that he will not "fail that rendezvous". The language is resolute and determined, suggesting that the soldier will do whatever it takes to keep his promise. The soldier's love for the person he has made the promise to is so strong that he is willing to give up his own life to keep it.

The Poet's Craft

As we examine the structure of "Desertion", we see that Brooke has used several literary techniques to enhance the meaning of the poem. The repetition of the phrase "I shall not fail that rendezvous" is particularly effective, as it emphasizes the soldier's commitment to his promise. The repetition also creates a sense of rhythm, which adds to the poem's emotional impact.

The use of imagery is also significant in "Desertion". The soldier's meeting with Death is described as taking place "in some flaming town", which creates a vivid picture of the destruction that war brings. The words "flaming" and "town" are juxtaposed, suggesting that the soldier's promise is not just to die, but to die in the most horrific way possible.

The use of enjambment is also notable, as it creates a sense of urgency and tension in the poem. The soldier's promise is not just a simple statement, but a pledge that he has made with his very life. The enjambment serves to reinforce this idea, as the soldier's commitment spills over from one line to the next.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Desertion" is a powerful poem that explores the themes of war and love with depth and sensitivity. Brooke's use of language and imagery creates a vivid picture of the soldier's commitment to his promise, and the sacrifices he is willing to make for the people he cares about. The poem is a poignant reminder of the horrors of war, and the toll it takes on those who fight in it. Yet, it is also a testament to the power of love, and the strength it can give us in the darkest of times. "Desertion" is a masterpiece of poetry, and a fitting tribute to the soldiers who fought and died in World War I.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Rupert Brooke's "Desertion" is a classic poem that explores the theme of love and the pain of separation. The poem is a beautiful expression of the emotions that one goes through when they are forced to leave their loved ones behind. The poem is a reflection of the poet's own experiences and emotions, and it is a powerful reminder of the fragility of human relationships.

The poem begins with the poet expressing his feelings of sadness and despair at the thought of leaving his loved ones behind. He talks about the pain of separation and how it feels like a knife cutting through his heart. The poet uses vivid imagery to describe the pain of separation, and he compares it to the pain of a wound that never heals.

The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem, and it establishes the central theme of the poem. The poet talks about the beauty of his surroundings and how he wishes he could stay there forever. However, he knows that he must leave, and this thought fills him with sadness and despair.

In the second stanza, the poet talks about the memories that he will carry with him when he leaves. He talks about the moments of joy and happiness that he has shared with his loved ones, and he expresses his hope that these memories will sustain him in the days to come. The poet also talks about the pain of leaving behind the people he loves, and he expresses his fear that he may never see them again.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. In this stanza, the poet talks about the pain of separation and how it feels like a death. He compares the pain of separation to the pain of losing a loved one to death, and he expresses his hope that he will be reunited with his loved ones in the afterlife.

The final stanza of the poem is a beautiful expression of the poet's love for his loved ones. He talks about how he will always carry their love with him, and he expresses his hope that they will always remember him. The poet also talks about the beauty of life and how it is worth living, even in the face of pain and suffering.

Overall, "Desertion" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the theme of love and the pain of separation. The poem is a beautiful expression of the emotions that one goes through when they are forced to leave their loved ones behind. The poet's use of vivid imagery and powerful language makes the poem a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.

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