What are some literary devices found in "Lord Kitchner" by Robert Bridges?

When analyzing poetry, it is often helpful to identify a
few things first.

The
subject, scene (external,
internal, or both), and the tone.  These three devices will
usually lead you to the overall purpose of the poem.  Then, looking at other literary
devices provides a fuller understanding of the piece.  I will help you get started in
this poem:

• Subject: a fallen war hero (Lord
  Kitchener) who was obviously an Englishman, a sailor, and a in a position of
  leadership.


• External Scene: a ship that went down near
  the Orkney Islands (near Scotland)


• Internal Scene:
  remembrance for a man who was well respected; a celebration of a remarkable
  life


• Tone: elegiac/remembrance; thankful;
  praise/honor

With these key elements
identified, I now encourage you to re-read the poem and look more specifically at the
language.  Identify any figures of speech and any use of diction (word choice) which
reflect the tones listed above.  You can ascertain meaning by keeping in mind the
overall purpose of the poem.  Some examples to consider
include:

What
day the foe presumed on her despair
And she herself had trust in none but
thee:

(Who
could be the "she" be referring
to?)

Herculean
deeds

(Diction: what does
"Herculean" refer to?  What could it mean
here?)

Shall be thy
monument.

(What shall be his
monument?  Why?  What is the purpose of a monument?)

As you
answer these questions, think of some of your own as well.  This kind of analytical
practice can be applied to all poetry and should help you understand more in the
future.