War Poems by Jessie Pope
Energetic, patriotic, persuasive
Jessie Pope’s war poems - especially Who’s for the Game? - are some of the most controversial works to emerge from the First World War. She writes patriotic propaganda. She write energetically. She was, however, deeply out of step with other contemporary war poets.
Pope’s war poems were written early in the First World War, and were published in newspapers to encourage young men to enlist. She presents war as an exciting adventure.
Her best‑known poem, Who’s for the Game?, is a call‑to‑arms that frames war as “the biggest game” - appealing those who consider themselves courageous, dutiful and patriotic. Rhetorically, she treats war like a sport to persuade people to enlist. Hence, her poems as naïve, jingoistic and insensitive to the realities of trench warfare.
Pope was criticised by her contemporaries, especially those poets who also fought. Her reputation suffered significantly because of the backlash from poets who experienced the war first-hand. Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon, for example, criticised her work for its pro‑war sentiment. Dulce et Decorum Est was written by Owen partly as in response to Pope’s work.
Nevertheless, Pope is historically significant. Despite the criticism, her poems are historical artefacts, capturing the mood of Britain early in the war - before conscription, before mass casualties, before the horrors of trench warfare were realised and understood.
Artistically, stylistically, Pope's work is relatively simple and direct. It may even be regarded as rhetorically effective. Her writing is rhythmic. Her use of questions, repetition and metaphors was persuasive.
Pope's work may not be considered aesthetically pleasing, and her messaging may be immoral - but she remains relevant for those seeking to understand the cultural atmosphere of Britain early in the First World War. It is useful to compare her enthusiasm for the fight with the front‑line experiences of soldier poets.
