Language

Style of language

The poem “The Hero” by Siegfried Sassoon is written in a simple, straightforward style, using conventional rhyme and rhythm. This style helps get the content and message of the poem across in a clear manner. 

At the beginning of the poem, the style is solemn, which creates an atmosphere of gravity and respect: " ‘Jack fell as he'd have wished,’ " the Mother said” (l. 1). However, in the last stanza, the style becomes colloquial, even vulgar: “cold-footed, useless swine” (l. 13). 

It is also worth noting that the word “Mother” in the first line of the poem is written with a capital M. This also contributes to the atmosphere of solemnity. The capitalization of “Mother” appears to elevate Jack’s mother to a special status, awarded to mothers of fallen heroes. She also b...