Adalena Millikin

The poem "next to of course god America i” talks about patriotism of a nation, for example the United
States of America. Although, the poem is questioning the role of an average American citizen during the
war. He argues that during war it’s only a few individuals who put their lives at risk to protect their
nation and that questions the patriotism of majority of the citizens. The title of the poem is applicable
because it brings three things which can lead America to greatness. The title refers to the order of
importance as put by the narrator God, America and self. Looking at the first line, the persona informs
the reader the patriotic citizen loves America which according to the patriot is next to God more than
any other thing and perhaps even more than God himself. The fourth and fifth lines imply that the
patriot is very not normal and dramatic, however, the speaker ignores and mocks the patriot by putting
“what of it”. This statement is rebuking and underestimates the commitment and effort in his country.
The allusion of the title makes the reader think deeply about patriotism of their nation. Personification
brings out objects as living and causes entertainment in the poem. The diction is relevant to the poem
because it was made to make the reader think deeply. The attitude of the speaker is glorifying. However,
as it goes on the speakers becomes critical. The poet is believable correct in some people’s minds. In all
the poet can have his own set of beliefs and doesn’t matter what other people’s beliefs are for it.