Compare tone and style i two war novels
'Compare the tone and style of the two authors and comment on ways in which soldiers respond differently to their situation.'Due to the fact that both the extracts are about war and war experiences they are clearly going to be of a sombre note, but 'A Foreign Field' does tend to focus on the more positive aspects. Digby is portrayed as a heroic figure. He has dignity and pride, both of which are clearly conveyed in his letters, in the letter to his mother, he is writing to inform her that he is to be shot and killed yet he still maintains his sense of dignity and pride and he writes "Be brave and do not let this trouble you too much'. He doesn't want his mother to be too upset about his death, but to remember he has died
The letter to Claire is by far the letter that shows the most emotion. Although it is the shortest of the three letters it is also the saddest, he is writing to the women he loves, yet he still manages to hold himself together and emphasises that he is happy to die for his country and that he is dying a contented man. The letters from Beth are short and she seems distant, the letters lack in emotion and character. Both soldiers respond differently to the situations they are faced with. The letters in a 'Strange Meeting', especially the one from Beth seem so naive. These letters are far less truthful, it almost seems as if she feels, by not writing about it, it doesn't make it so real, it is a kind of illusion. a happy man knowing he is doing it for his country. She appears to be oblivious to the harsh reality of war and truly believes that John will be returning from the War. In the extract from 'A Strange Meeting' there is so much talk of death, weapons, wounds, all of which are the negative aspects associated with War whereas in 'A Foreign Field' more positive things are mentioned, such as what comes out of War, the pride it brings for a country and how the soldiers who return, return as heroes. Digby accepts his fate and feels a great sense of achievement to die for his king and country, he sees this as his duty and as far as he is concerned he is just fulfilling his duty, this is clear in the letter he writes to his mother, which says "I die happy for King and Country', whereas John appears to be feeling sorry for himself and dwelling on things rather than getting on with it while he is there. His letters are clear and concise; they stick to the point and fulfil their purpose, which is to say goodbye to his loved ones. He realises and accepts the fact that he is going to die, yet still maintains his dignity.
Common topics in this essay:
Foreign Field',
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Strange Meeting',
King Country',
foreign field',
'a foreign field',
dignity pride,
soldiers respond,
'a foreign,
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Acceptance Essays
