In Flanders Fields
John McCrae was a Canadian poet, author, soldier and physician during WW1. In 1915, he also served as an army surgeon at the Second Battle of Ypres. During this time, he wrote the poem “In Flanders Fields” as a tribute to all the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the war. His poem is a symbol for our duty left to us by those soldiers, and is often read on Remembrance Day in Canada and parts of Western Europe. Through the effective use of literary devices such as symbolism and alliteration, McCrae successfully conveys his message, inspiring many people to this day.
Symbolism
McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields” uses symbolism when talking about the poppies growing in the field, serving as an emblem to all of those who have died in the war. The poppies symbolise this because they are able to grow in the desolate landscape of Western Europe, the red colour of the poppies also represents the blood of the soldiers. The poem says “The torch; be yours to hold it high…”. The torch refers to freedom, representing that when you are fighting you are risking the freedom of your country, symbolising the dead soldiers passing on to the living the duty to continue fighting.
Themes & Messages
McCrae tells the reader even though the loss of innocent lives is great, we must make sacrifices to protect our country. “Between the crosses, row on row” and “We are the Dead...Take up our quarrel with the foe”, reflecting that the once young and healthy soldiers are now buried in Flanders Fields, struck down by war without warning. The poet effectively uses imagery to emphasise the main theme. “The poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row”, along with flashbacks to when the soldiers were still alive “We are the Dead. Short days agowe lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, loved and were loved” as well as foreshadowing to reflect the consequences ”If ye break faith with us who die we shall not sleep”.
Ultimately, John McCrae effectively uses various literary devices in "In Flanders Fields" to convey the main theme of loss and sacrifice, and how we mustn't forget the soldiers who died in war for their country.
“The living owe it to those who no longer can speak to tell their story for them.” - Czesław Miłosz
I agree with your analysis and I feel that 'In Flander's Fields' is a very evocative poem that highlights the need to remember all who fell in the name of war. I liked the introduction to John McCrae as well. However, you could consider writing a catchier beginning, a hook that draws the reader in.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your analysis. The themes are well-represented with the techniques you described. The ending quote is very effective as it closely links to the themes you mentioned, and it's also thought-provoking. The introduction can be more interesting and casual though.
ReplyDelete