Analysing Brooke's presentation of England and patriotism in 'The Soldier'

Brooke uses personification to portray England as a mother figure, who has nurtured and cared for him his whole life. Brooke presents England as a superior nation; he portrays England as idyllic to illustrate his patriotism. The image of an “English heaven” reflects Brooke's hopes of being reunited with England in the event of his death. Brooke uses the sonnet form perhaps to reflect his love for, and devotion to, England. Brooke subverts conventions of traditional sonnets, perhaps because his love for England is familial and not romantic.