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Analysis of War Poems in the English Canon
Comparison of Two War Poems
One prominent war poem in the English literary canon is Wilfred Owen's "Dulce et Decorum Est",
often studied alongside others like
Rupert Brooke's "The Soldier".
These poems present contrasting attitudes toward war.
Treatment of the Theme of War:
Owen portrays war as brutal, dehumanizing, and senseless. His focus is on the psychological and physical suffering of soldiers.
Brooke glorifies war, seeing it as a noble sacrifice for one’s homeland. He treats death as a form of eternal unity with one’s country.
Differences and Similarities:
Differences: While Owen criticizes the romanticized view of war, Brooke epitomizes it. Their tones and perspectives differ greatly.
Similarities: Both deal with themes of death and sacrifice, highlighting how war shapes identity and humanity, albeit from opposing viewpoints.
War Poetry and Universal Questions
The statement that "War poetry is not necessarily ‘anti-war’. It is, however, about the very large questions of life" is reflected in the works of Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen.
Siegfried Sassoon’s "They" critiques the disparity between civilians' glorification of war and the soldiers' traumatic experiences. It questions societal values, religious authority, and moral responsibility. Sassoon’s tone is sarcastic and confrontational.
Wilfred Owen’s "Dulce et Decorum Est" also tackles themes of identity, innocence, and guilt. He explores the loss of innocence through the physical and mental toll of war. Owen’s tone is grim and accusatory.
Similarities: Both poets critique blind patriotism and glorification of war. They address the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers and societies.
Differences: While Sassoon uses a satirical tone, Owen’s approach is more somber and emotional, emphasizing the physical horrors of war.
Comparison of Ivor Gurney’s The Target and Wilfred Owen’s Dulce et Decorum Est
Similarities:
1. Theme of Guilt and Loss: Both poems highlight the emotional impact of war.
In The Target, Gurney explores the inner turmoil of a soldier who grapples with the morality of killing.
In Dulce et Decorum Est, Owen critiques the societal guilt of perpetuating war through false ideals.
2. Realistic Tone: Both use realistic depictions of war, moving away from romanticized portrayals.
Differences:
1. Focus on Individual vs. Universal:
Gurney’s The Target is introspective, focusing on the internal conflict of a single soldier.
Owen’s Dulce et Decorum Est is broader in scope, condemning the societal glorification of war.
2. Style:
Gurney employs a conversational and reflective tone, with simple yet poignant language.
Owen’s style is vivid and graphic, with a sense of urgency and bitterness.
Both poets critique war in their ways but differ in focus and style, offering diverse perspectives on the moral and emotional consequences of conflict.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, war poetry serves as a powerful medium to explore the multifaceted realities of war, delving into universal questions of identity, morality, sacrifice, and humanity. While poets like Wilfred Owen and Ivor Gurney reveal the harsh, unromanticized truths of war, others like Rupert Brooke offer idealized, patriotic perspectives. This diversity in treatment reflects the complexity of war’s impact on individuals and societies.
Owen’s vivid realism in Dulce et Decorum Est and Gurney’s introspective approach in The Target highlight both shared experiences of suffering and personal reflections on guilt and duty. These poems remind readers that war, beyond its immediate violence, forces profound contemplation on life’s greatest questions, transcending simplistic notions of being merely "pro-war" or "anti-war." Thus, war poetry endures as a poignant record of human resilience and the cost of conflict.
Work cited :
“Dulce et Decorum Est.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/topic/Dulce-et-decorum-est. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
“The Soldier.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/topic/The-Soldier-poem-by-Brooke. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
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