War Poems by Jessie Pope

Jessie Pope’s war poetry, particularly her well-known piece Who’s for the Game?, stands out as one of the most controversial examples of First World War poems. She creates patriotic propaganda with energetic writing, yet her views were markedly out of step with those of other contemporary war poets.

Pope’s war poems were penned early in the First World War and published in newspapers to inspire young men to enlist, depicting war as an exciting adventure.

In her best-known poem, Who’s for the Game?, she presents war as 'the biggest game', appealing to those who consider themselves courageous, dutiful, and patriotic. Rhetorically, she likens war to a sport to persuade individuals to join the fight, resulting in her work being viewed as naïve, jingoistic, and insensitive to the grim realities of trench warfare.

Pope faced criticism from her contemporaries, particularly from poets like Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon, who had firsthand experience in the war. This backlash significantly affected her reputation, as Owen’s poem Dulce et Decorum Est was partly written in response to her pro-war sentiment.

Nevertheless, Jessie Pope remains historically significant. Despite the criticism surrounding her war poetry, her poems serve as historical artifacts, capturing the mood of Britain at the onset of the war—before conscription, before mass casualties, and before the true horrors of trench warfare were fully realised.

Artistically, her work is relatively simple and direct, yet it can be deemed rhetorically effective. Her writing features rhythmic qualities, along with the use of questions, repetition, and metaphors, which were persuasive elements in her poetry.

While Pope's work may not be regarded as aesthetically pleasing and her messaging may be viewed as immoral, her contributions remain relevant for those seeking to understand the cultural atmosphere of Britain during the early stages of the First World War. Comparing her enthusiasm for the fight with the front-line experiences of soldier poets provides valuable insights.