Hello writing world! I am back again and
this time attempting to analyze poetry.... (Before this year I had never done that!)
However as my mom always says, never a bad idea to try new things!
In the poem, Base Details by Siegfried
Sassoon he uses diction to convey the speakers attitude of bitterness. After
reading the poem a few times I understood that it was about war but was
convinced there was more to it than that. Therefore I did some research and
found that Base details is about a soldier who is bitter over the fact that old
man ( politicians and such ) wage war and in turn send young men to fight it. I
say men because when this poem was written that was whom they were depicting
was fighting a war. Now however we know it could be young females that end up
in harm’s way do towards older men and women deciding to go to war.
The diction in the poem conveys such
bitterness when Siegfried uses words such as, Fierce and Petulant to describe his
appearance. In addition when he explains how those who waged the war were “Guzzling
and gulping in the best hotel..." While they were out to war. These young
men did not want to fight a war they did not choose and that was evident in the
bitter attitude conveyed. The poem primarily adds humor to the horrendous and
unfair actions and decisions during a time of war. This poem in my opinion
could be considered a Satire because the poem is in no way attacking one person
but the idea that government officials get to choose to go to war and to send
young soldiers out.
Until I read this poem a few times I
did not uncover the indirect method of making fun of the way the government in
a sense sends the youth out to fight their battles. The speaker is mocking what
it would be like in the life of an officer during World War I. As I am reading
this I keep thinking that history truly does repeat itself as men and women are
risking their lives all the time to fight someone else's battle based on orders
they were given. Although this is their job, I cannot begin to imagine having
to fight on the front lines and watch as officers and politicians who took a
young man away from his family drink and enjoy life without a single regard for
the men that are in a sense cleaning up their mess.
I
have to say this poem was amazing and now I completely comprehend why people
take the time to analyze poetry and literary devices. In addition, this truly
helped me understand what a work of Satire is and how to recognize one. I have
to say I have not been a fan of Satire but I think after reading this poem I
will take another approach to it. Hope you enjoyed!
Until
next time! Make sure to keep analyzing and reading!
I really like how you analyzed and broke down this poem into detail. I totally agree with you arguments on this poem, not only because I said something similar, but because you were able to focus on the literary device diction effectively. As I read this poem, I noticed how you really took in account of not only the soldier but also his family, family and etc. I think that’s what many of us really have trouble with. We just do the obvious and write something superficial, but hey how can we not? With your blog, I was able to see how diction really portrays the speaker’s attitude which is anger and bitterness. My only suggestions are to maybe relate it to today's society and our government. I know as of now people are really heated (annoyed) about the whole Donald Trump thing so maybe you could of focused a bit on how the government is so corrupt and the people who vote for them are too. Other than that, I say you did a pretty good job.
ReplyDeleteLoved reading your post! You analyzed this poem so in depth, it's amazing! I literally can't find words to say. Diction definitely plays an important role in Sassoon's work, through diction we could feel the bitterness he felt towards the injustice young men who went to war faced. Another thing I really like about your post is how you took the initiative to learn more and understand what the author was trying to convey by making research; this is a good example for anyone who's interested in literature or any subject for that matter, to seek answers when an assignment seems tricky or difficult. Your word choices were as well really strong and that reveals a lot about what kind of writer you are, one who wants to become better! The only advice I have to offer is to try to make a few connections with the poem to either the society we live in or your personal life. You started your post by mentioning something your mother often tells you, you could continue that thought by adding what you learn from that or any feelings really. Looking forward to your future post and getting to know more about you! Good job :)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this piece! I just read Nique's post so it is such a coincidence that you are my last one, Rose! Anyways, I enjoy this analysis of the diction the author uses because you connected to the actual satire of the piece. Just make sure to include line numbers in your evidence! You connected the diction to the humor that is covering the real meaning. Awesome! I did not utilize the use of diction for my blog post because I could not get myself to think outside of the box, instead of just keeping to irony. Kudos to you. What I wanted to see was a little bit more of a worldly view. Mayne because I just read Nique’s and hers was great and I really enjoyed this outside view. I actually think we all need to o this with our own blog posts!! Anyways, I liked reading this because it seems so down to earth just like you! Keep illuminating yourself through these blog posts and everyone will love you!
ReplyDeleteThe analyzation of this poem was really good, I liked how you had now problem admitting that you did research because you did not understand the poem at first (I wish I had done that), it shows intelligence. I don't fully understand the diction that you are trying to convey but I do understand the satire part and I like how you went and explained that more thoroughly it gives someone who has never read the poem or has no idea what satire means a better and wider perspective and understanding. I enjoyed reading this! Looking forward to your future posts!!
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