Literary Devices and Structure in Jessie Pope's 'Who's for the Game?'

War, a subject that has inspired countless poets, takes center stage in Jessie Pope's 1914 poem, "Who's for the Game?" This essay delves into the various literary devices employed within the poem to dissect both explicit and implicit meanings. Furthermore, it utilizes appropriate literary terminology to support quotes from the poem. Additionally, a scrutiny of the poem's structure is undertaken to unravel how meaning is effectively conveyed. Pope, often considered a naive poet, tackles the highly debatable topic of war, portraying it as a game of significant magnitude, yet without anticipating the destructive consequences it may unleash.

Literary Devices in "Who's for the Game?"

Pope's depiction of war as a game relies heavily on propaganda, tapping into men's guilt to encourage their involvement in defending their country. A notable literary device employed is the metaphor, exemplified in lines like, "And who wants a seat in the stand." This metaphor explicitly conveys that mere spectatorship of the war would lead to profound regret, as these individuals are not actively contributing to the defense of their nation.

Get quality help now

writer-Charlotte

Verified writer

Proficient in: Communication

4.7 (348)

“ Amazing as always, gave her a week to finish a big assignment and came through way ahead of time. ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

Moreover, the emphasis on the metaphor serves to influence men's participation in the war, creating a perception of glory associated with defending one's country. Despite Pope's promotion of the so-called glory of war, the implicit meaning reveals the underlying brutality through vivid descriptions that are both vicious and frightening.

Personification is another literary device utilized by Pope, as evident in the line, "Your country is up to her neck in a fight." Here, the poet personifies the country as a woman, intensifying the imagery and implying the extremity of the war.

This personification is a poignant appeal to men, stressing that their country needs them urgently in this critical moment.

Structure and Persuasion

Pope adopts a conversational tone throughout "Who's for the Game?" to make the poem memorable and persuasive to readers. This informal style serves to engage the audience while delivering a compelling message about the perceived glory of war.

The consistent use of metrical rhythm across stanzas contributes to the poem's overall persuasive quality. This rhythmic flow, present throughout the entire poem, aids in reinforcing the intended message and making the verses more impactful.

Rhetorical questions are strategically employed by Pope in the first three stanzas, notably emphasizing the word "Who" to present a direct invitation of recruitment to men. These questions, undoubtedly persuasive, have historically played a significant role in encouraging men of various ages to enlist in the war effort.

Intriguingly, as the poem progresses, Pope shifts from using aggressive words to employing more lighthearted descriptions, such as "Picnic," a term associated with enjoyment. However, the informal use of this implicit phrase raises awareness about the harsh reality of war, contradicting the initially presented notion of war as a glorious and enjoyable experience.

The structure of the first stanza introduces a three-syllable foot, with the first two syllables unstressed and the third one stressed. Similarly, throughout the last three stanzas, while some unstressed syllables are omitted, the impact of the stressed syllable remains predominant, underscoring the persuasive nature of the poem.

The Promotional Element and Deeper Meanings

The final line, "And she’s looking and calling for you," heavily draws on the promotion for recruitment. The significant use of "she" anthropomorphizes the war, portraying it as a sentient being in need of discussion. This personification further strengthens the emotional connection and appeal to potential recruits.

Upon a comprehensive analysis of the literary devices, terminology, and structural elements within "Who's for the Game?" a recurring theme emerges: the poem strategically taps into men's guilt, compelling them to protect their country and families despite their inherent fear. Pope, while seemingly glorifying war, paradoxically raises false hopes for reasons that are far from honorable. Ultimately, the entire poem serves as a justification for the brutality faced in the throes of war, shedding light on the intricate dynamics between persuasion, glorification, and the grim realities of armed conflict.