Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Choice" is a poem written by John Masefield, first published in 1917 in his collection of poetry, "The Old Front Line." This poem reflects the societal pressure and the moral dilemma faced by many young men during World War I.

Content:

The poem "The Choice" is written in the first person point of view and is addressed to the reader. The speaker in the poem is a young man who is faced with a difficult choice of either staying with his loved ones or joining the army to fight for his country. He is torn between his personal desires and his sense of duty towards his country. The poem explores the internal conflict of the young man as he weighs the options of his choice.

The young man in the poem describes the beauty of the English countryside and his love for his family and friends. He reflects on the fact that the war may cause him to lose everything he holds dear. At the same time, he recognizes the importance of fighting for his country and the duty he owes to it.

The poem ends with the young man making the difficult choice to join the army and fight for his country. He acknowledges the risks and dangers involved in this decision but recognizes that he cannot ignore his sense of duty towards his country and his fellow citizens.

Form and Poetic Elements:

"The Choice" is a lyric poem consisting of 13 stanzas, each containing four lines. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABAB, and the meter is primarily iambic tetrameter. The poem is characterized by the use of vivid and evocative imagery, particularly in its description of the English countryside. The poem also uses repetition and rhetorical questions to emphasize the internal conflict of the young man.

Summary:

"The Choice" is a poignant poem that captures the moral dilemma faced by many young men during World War I. The poem reflects the societal pressure of the time and highlights the internal conflict faced by those who had to choose between personal desires and duty towards their country. Masefield's use of vivid imagery and rhetorical questions effectively conveys the emotional struggle of the young man in the poem. Overall, "The Choice" is a moving and thought-provoking work that highlights the difficult choices that individuals must make during times of war.

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