Gallipoli Practice Introduction

Young men go to war because it provides them with the opportunity for adventure

To what extent is this borne out by Peter Weir’s film, “Gallipoli”?

In response you must discuss the way the film positions views to understand its message.

Brainstorm
+ They do go to war because they believe it is an adventure
+ Some soldiers feel pressured
+ The confrontation of war was much devisating then they expected. 

Peter Weir’s film, “Gallipoli” portrays the idea that many young men go to war because they believe it is an opportunity for adventure; however, the film continues to suggest that there are other reasons they decide to go to war, and that the confrontation of war is much more devastating than they expected. Many of the young soldiers join the army because they are naieve in believing that war is an adventure. However, one of the main characters, Frank, contrasts the views from many of the other soldiers, and joins the war because he feels pressured into by Archie the other men. Throughout the film, the idea is expressed that war is far more devastating than the young men expected, and this is shown through different stages of the arrival in Gallipoli. Through these elements, Peter Weir displays a film where young men go to war for different reasons however, once confronted with the real devastation of war the begin to rethink their lives back at home. 

Week 2/3 Homework

The author claims of “Suicide in the Trenches” that Siegfried Sassoon “makes his point clear with tremendous force and effectiveness”. What is the poet’s message and how effectively (in your opinion) is the message conveyed?

From my perspective on war, I agree with the author in saying that he delivers his point clear "with tremendous force and effectiveness" because of the use of language used in the the poem. Words such as "empty joy", "cowed and glum" and how he describes his audience as "smug-faced crowds with kindling eye", it shows that he is very direct and straight to the point. Also with Sasson plainly stating "He put a bullet through his brain" with no trick language that one would of had to think hard about to understand it emphasizes the point and brings the "tremendous effectiveness" to the poem. 

The way Sasson is very direct and straight to the point allows me to agree with the author, because this makes the poem's point very clear and delivered with tremendous force and effectiveness.

Suicide in the Trenches

I knew a simple soldier boy

who grinned at life in empty joy

Slept soundly through the lonesome dark

And whistled early with the lark.

In winter trenches, cowed and glum,

With crumps and lice and lack of rum,

He put a bullet through his brain,

No one spoke of him again.

You smug-faced crowds with kindling eye,

Who cheer when soldier lads walk by,

Sneak home and pray you’ll never know,

The hell where youth and laughter go.

                           by Siegfried Sassoon