The Great War Reflection in Cultures of Belligerent Countries

A catastrophic event in world history, the Great War marked the psychic turning point for modernism as a whole. (Modris 1989). The Great War’s use of warfare in this crucial moment in modern history reflected the cultures of the different belligerent nations. Germany, which was primarily a representative of the modern world with new ideas and fighting for liberation and freedom from the old order, was on the other side of the conflict from the established old-world order that had been founded on enlightenment ideals, which was a representation of primarily Great Britain and partially France, on the other side there was Germany which was primarily a representative of the modern world with new ideas and fighting for liberation and freedom from the old order.

In the Great Conflict of world orders, the Cultures of different belligerent countries were reflected. For instance, Germany had just been reunited and had undergone a quick transformation from a traditional society setting to a highly industrialized country in the world. The Germans sought for moral support in praising their own country and being deeply spiritual. They gave a lot of prominence to spiritual satisfaction and ideals. Supported by their spirituality, Germans had a peculiar spirit of rebellion and they felt that they had to win the war, by all means possible in their quest for liberation. This led to their idea that war was a necessity of life hence the German aggressiveness.

According to Modris, daring progress in ballets by the Russians who had been successful so far was an act of rebellion by itself and brought civilization into question and also the theme of sacrifice which was clearly visible on the battle field. On the other hand, British felt that it was their duty to protect the old world order which essentially represented them hence they were highly motivated to fight.

Despite the reflection of all the cultures leading to brutality, there were other cultures such as the celebration of Christmas by both the French and the British which led to the 1914 truce, with the Germans celebrating in Trenches despite the imminent danger. This also indicated the British culture of considering war as a sport. Warfare might have shaped the modern culture but it was the culture that was in existence in the pre-war period that fueled and continued to play a vital role in the Great War.

Explication of Poem Rendezvous

This poem was written by Alan Seeger a young soldier who took part in the Great War. He clearly portrays inevitability of death itself in the battle field. The term of the “Rendezvous” which means agreement, has been used severally to state that the narrator has an agreement or rather a date with the death clearly indicates that the narrator is in full acceptance of the consequences of the war.

However, the narrator still shows his doubts and fears in the second line when he says ”at some disputed barricade” but despite these he insists on that he still has an agreement with death. This is the soldier’s spirit in him despite being fully aware of the dangers that await him he is still ready to fight. He further goes on to say ”when the spring comes back with rustling shade and apple blossoms fill the air, I have a rendezvous with death” perhaps this is to portray the inevitability of death for it may come even in the most beautiful times hence it should not be feared. The poet indicates that he does not really wish to die for in the line 12 he states perhaps he may pass him (death) still (Modris 1989).

The poem indicates bravery and duty of the narrator who is ready to meet his death for in the 25th sentence he says he pledged his word and he shall not fail to meet death. This was the same principal used by all soldiers in the Great War, they knew in the battle field war was inevitable but they had sworn to fight for their countries and they remained true to their words may be with the hope of a better life in the after, which is implied by the poet in lines 18 and 19 ”pillowed in silk and scented down and where love throbs out in a blissful sleep” (Modris 1989).

The poem also paints the picture of a battle field, the destruction it brings and the inner turmoil in the soldiers’ brains, that they have to go through every day and reassure themselves to remain true to the words that they pledged. It also encourages bravery and loyalty by indicating death should not be feared. The poem is not only applicable to the writer but to all other brave soldiers.

Work Cited

Eksteins, Modris. Rites of Spring, The Great War and the Birth of the Modern Age. Key Porter Books, Toronto, 1989.