Idyllens värnplikt under första världskriget En retorisk undersökning av Anders Österlings diktsamling "Idyllernas bok" och den politiska diktarrollen

Abstract

During the First World War and the period preceding the outbreak of war, Swedish society was marked by mental militarisation and increasing polarisation. Many Swedish poets took on the role of opinion leaders, using poetry in various ways as a platform for political communication. The authors' positions on the war varied heavily, ranging from war-positivism and patriotic enthusiasm, to pacifism and anti-militarism. During the war, Anders Österling published the poetry collection "Idyllernas bok" (1917), in which he depicted the peaceful life close to nature in the Swedish countryside. For this he received some criticism for having turned away from the burning social issues of the time. This study tries that criticism by examining "Idyllernas bok" from a rhetorical perspective. The aim of the essay is to study how a literary idyll can be used as a medium for political communication. Based on Österling's previous political statements, the analysis shows that "Idyllernas Bok" is a direct response to the threat of war and the accompanied risks of human destruction and the eradication of cultural heritage. By studying "Idyllernas bok" in its entirety and two selected poems, focusing on the rhetorical and stylistic design, the analysis is able to showcase how Österling utilises his role as a poet and writes idylls for the purpose of rallying the nation. The collection of poems is linked to the common national values, the cultural heritage, and paints a glorifying picture of the simple way of life that was threatened by external forces at the time. Consequently, the main political message is to strengthen the national spirit and highten the will to defend.