War Poetry

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Question 1:

Choose one poem from the English literary canon which deals with the theme of war and compare it with any one of the five war poems you have studied in this unit.

One poem from the English literary canon that deals with the theme of war is Alfred Lord Tennyson’s "The Charge of the Light Brigade". Comparing this to Wilfred Owen's "Dulce et Decorum Est", we observe significant contrasts in their style, language, and treatment of war.

Style and Language:

Tennyson employs a heroic and rhythmic style, using repetition ("Half a league, half a league") and a tone of glorification to honor the bravery of soldiers. The language is formal, almost detached from the grim realities of war, focusing instead on duty and honor.

In contrast, Owen’s style is stark and vivid, with graphic imagery ("blood-shod," "gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs") and a direct condemnation of war propaganda. His tone is bitter and empathetic toward the soldiers' suffering.

Treatment of the Theme of War:

Tennyson celebrates the heroism of soldiers and presents war as an act of noble sacrifice despite its futility. Conversely, Owen exposes the horrific realities of war, debunking the idealistic notion of dying for one's country.

Similarities: Both poems address the theme of duty and the impact of war on soldiers, but while Tennyson romanticizes it, Owen humanizes and critiques it.

Question 2:

"War poetry is not necessarily ‘anti-war’. It is, however, about the very large questions of life: identity, innocence, guilt, loyalty, courage, compassion, humanity, duty, desire, death."

Wilfred Owen’s "Dulce et Decorum Est" offers a vivid alternative to “Anthem for Doomed Youth” in exploring the horrors of war. This poem starkly contrasts with Rupert Brooke's idealistic and romanticized portrayal of war in "The Soldier."

"Dulce et Decorum Est" is a visceral depiction of the brutality of trench warfare, focusing on the physical and psychological torment endured by soldiers. Owen graphically describes the aftermath of a gas attack, where one soldier is unable to don his gas mask in time. The speaker recounts the haunting sight of the dying soldier, with “white eyes writhing” and the grotesque image of his lungs choked with froth, likening his suffering to being drowned.

Owen challenges the age-old patriotic maxim "Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori" (It is sweet and fitting to die for one's country), labeling it "the old Lie." Through his detailed, unflinching imagery and bitter tone, Owen exposes the grim reality of war and critiques its glorification.

While "The Soldier" idealizes death in war as a noble sacrifice, "Dulce et Decorum Est" rejects this notion, emphasizing war’s dehumanizing and traumatic effects. Together, they present a stark contrast, demonstrating the diverse ways war poetry addresses profound questions of duty, sacrifice, and mortality.

Question 3:

Compare Ivor Gurney's "The Target" with Wilfred Owen's "Dulce et Decorum Est".

Similarities:

Both Gurney and Owen convey the physical and emotional toll of war on soldiers. They focus on the psychological burden, with Gurney exploring the guilt of survival ("I shot him, and it had to be"), while Owen critiques the lies of war propaganda. Both poets employ vivid, unsettling imagery to evoke empathy and highlight the dehumanizing effects of war.

Differences:

Gurney’s tone in "The Target" is introspective and personal, exploring the survivor’s guilt and moral conflict of killing another human. Owen’s "Dulce et Decorum Est" adopts a broader, accusatory tone, condemning the romanticized glorification of war. While Gurney reflects on individual struggles, Owen critiques societal narratives.

Both poets effectively challenge the reader to confront the harsh realities of war, moving beyond mere patriotism to address its moral and human cost.