'Hill' Summary

"The Hill" is a sonnet that expresses Brooke's idealized vision of war and its impact on the soldiers who fight for their country. The poem portrays a scene of serenity and beauty amidst the battlefield, with soldiers resting and enjoying the natural surroundings. Brooke paints a picture of soldiers who are ready to die for their cause, and he celebrates their courage and selflessness. He describes their deaths as a peaceful and noble act, a sacrifice made for the greater good. The poem reflects a common sentiment among many at the time, as a way to glorify sacrifice and romanticize war. The tone is filled with a sense of purpose and patriotism. The poem's final lines evoke a sense of hope and confidence, suggesting that even in death, the soldiers will remain a part of England's legacy. However, the idealized vision presented in the poem stands in stark contrast to the horrific realities of the war that would soon become evident.