War Poetry in English Literature

 'War Poetry' in English Literature 

Introduction :-

War Poetry in modern setting of English literature it shows that the big impact of World War 1 and also feeling and emotion of soldiers. The speciality of these poems that these all poems written by soldiers. The soldiers explore the love for nation and land, and also explore the responsibility towards the nation and country. They spread a essence of freedom and beauty of love and many more things. It was time to fought for freedom, reality, feeling, emotions, country, people and many more valuable things. 

What is War Poem? :-

War poetry is a literary genre originated during the first World War. War poetry is a type of literature that expresses the experiences, emotions, and perspectives of people involved in war. It often reflects the impact of war on individuals, communities, and society as a whole. War poems can convey a range of feelings, from patriotism and heroism to the harsh realities and traumas of conflict. These poems use language and imagery to capture the complex and sometimes devastating aspects of war, providing insights into the human condition during times of conflict.

There are major Five War Poems like...

1. "Dulce et Decorum Est" by Wilfred Owen

Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,

Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge,

Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs,

And towards our distant rest began to trudge.

Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots,

But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame; all blind;

Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots

Of gas-shells dropping softly behind.

Gas! GAS! Quick, boys!—An ecstasy of fumbling

Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time,

But someone still was yelling out and stumbling

And flound’ring like a man in fire or lime.—

Dim through the misty panes and thick green light,

As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.

In all my dreams before my helpless sight,

He plunges at me, guttering, c

hoking, drowning.

If in some smothering dreams, you too could pace

Behind the wagon that we flung him in,

And watch the white eyes writhing in his face,

His hanging face, like a devil’s sick of sin;

If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood

Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs,

Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud

Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues,—

My friend, you would not tell with such high zest

To children ardent for some desperate glory,

The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est

Pro patria mori.

Notes : Latin phrase is from the Roman poet Horace: “It is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country.”

About the Poet Wilfred Owen

2. "The Soldier" by Rupert Brooke 

If I should die, think only this of me:

      That there’s some corner of a foreign field

That is for ever England. There shall be

      In that rich earth a richer dust concealed;

A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware,

      Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam;

A body of England’s, breathing English air,

      Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home.

And think, this heart, all evil shed away,

      A pulse in the eternal mind, no less

            Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given;

Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day;

      And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness,

            In hearts at peace, under an English heaven.

Poetry Out Loud Note: This poem has had two titles: “The Soldier” and “Nineteen-Fourteen: The Soldier”. The student may give either title during the recitation.

About the Poet Rupert Brooke 

3. "The Fear" by Wilfrid Wilson Gibson

I do not fear to die

'Neath the open sky,

To meet death in the fight

Face to face, upright.

But when at last we creep

Into a hole to sleep,

I tremble, cold with dread,

Lest I wake up dead.

About the poet Wilfrid Wilson Gibson

4. The Hero - Siegfried Sassoon 

"Jack fell as he'd have wished," the Mother said,

And folded up the letter that she'd read.

"The Colonel writes so nicely." Something broke

In the tired voice that quavered to a choke.

She half looked up. "We mothers are so proud

Of our dead soldiers." Then her face was bowed.

Quietly the Brother Officer went out.

He'd told the poor old dear some gallant lies

That she would nourish all her days, no doubt.

For while he coughed and mumbled, her weak eyes

Had shone with gentle triumph, brimmed with joy,

Because he'd been so brave, her glorious boy.

He thought how "Jack," cold-footed, useless swine,

Had panicked down the trench that night the mine

Went up at Wicked Corner; how he'd tried

To get sent home; and how, at last, he died,

Blown to small bits. And no one seemed to care

Except that lonely woman with white hair.

About the poet Siegfried Sassoon

5. The Target - Ivor Gurney

I shot him, and it had to be

One of us 'Twas him or me.

'Couldn't be helped' and none can blame

Me, for you would do the same

My mother, she can't sleep for fear

Of what might be a-happening here

To me. Perhaps it might be best

To die, and set her fears at rest

For worst is worst, and worry's done.

Perhaps he was the only son. . .

Yet God keeps still, and does not say

A word of guidance anyway.

Well, if they get me, first I'll find

That boy, and tell him all my mind,

And see who felt the bullet worst,

And ask his pardon, if I durst.

All's a tangle. Here's my job.

A man might rave, or shout, or sob;

And God He takes no sort of heed.

This is a bloody mess indeed.

About the poet Ivor Gurney

✰ Read the poems and the linked material

➣ Click Here to read the poems and material...

These all the War Poetries set a major benchmark on the civilians and also on there conditions. These poems spread a vivid picture of conditions and mindsets. The test about humanity, power, freedom, emotions and feelings express through the words and their meanings. Its words and their meanings directly touching the heart of people. That's poems always inspired to each humans and their contributions to war.

✰ Q-1. Note down the difference of all the War Poets.

A-1.

The war poets have had own perspective and own journey in this war. He all are described the own point of views and own feelings about war. Poets started the writing about conflict of independence and situations of soldiers. Wilfred Owen is mostly known for his vivid and realistic depiction of the harsh realities of war. Wilfred Owen's poetry often reflects the experiences of soldiers on the front lines, emphasizing the trauma and horrors of war. Owen's work is considered anti-war and serves as a powerful critique of the glorification of conflict. As well as on the other side Rupert Brooke wrote about strength and willingness of soldiers and experiences of them. Rupert Brooke was used more patriotic style of writing and idealized in such things.

Wilfred Wilson Gibson's style of writing was very unique and representative of tradition in certain ways. While acknowledging the difficulties of war, Gibson's work may reflect a broader view of human experience and resilience. Gibson's work and his style of writing was must be compete and compared with Wilfred Owen's style and humanity and resilience. Then Siegfried Sassoon's focused on the realistic elements and own journey of experience. Sassoon's poetry combines realism with satirical and ironic elements. Sassoon was critical of the war's conduct, but later his poetry reflects a more complex view, exploring the psychological impact of war. Then Ivor Gurney's poetry often has a more lyrical and introspective quality. Ivor Gurney's poetry also reflects a deep connection to nature and personal introspection. We can clearly see that the reflection of nature and it's probability in Ivor Gurney's poetry. All the poets has Chase the darkness of war.

Wilfred Owen (1893-1918)

Rupert Brooke (1887-1915)

Wilfrid Wilson Gibson (1878-1962)

Siegfried Sassoon (1886-1967)

Ivor Gurney (1890-1937)

✰ Q-2. Compare any two poems concerning the subject, style of writing, and patriotism.

A-2. 

"Dulce et Decorum Est" by Wilfred Owen :-

The poem criticizes the romanticized view of war, exposing the harsh realities and the trauma experienced by soldiers. It challenges the idea that it is sweet and honorable to die for one's country. He spread the essence of experience through the realistic situations and perception.

"The Soldier" by Rupert Brooke :-

This poem, in contrast, expresses a more idealized view of war. It reflects a sense of patriotism and envisions a soldier's death as a noble sacrifice for his homeland. In his poem we can see that the sacrifice of soldiers for save the people, for country, for freedom and independence.

We can also identify in the both poem's writting style also different objects and different writing style.

Writing style :-

Wilfred Owen's style is vivid and intense, using strong imagery and descriptive language to convey the brutality of war. It has a more critical and anti-war tone. He used the strongest anti-war tone to feel reality and actual manner. And on the other side Rupert Brooke used the traditional and romantic style of writing in his poems.  It uses poetic and elevated language to idealize the concept of dying for one's country.

Patriotism :-

Owen's poem challenges the traditional notion of patriotic duty and suggests that the glorification of war is misleading. It presents a skeptical view of blind patriotism. Brooke's poem embraces a more patriotic sentiment, portraying a deep love for England. It reflects a positive and idealized view of sacrifice for the nation.

✰ Q-3. Do you find any such regional poem/movies/web series/songs that can be compared to any one of the poems Also, give a proper explanation of the similarity.

A-3.

There are so many movies and web series and poems we can compared to these war poems and it's contains. And it is comes with very interesting concept of war and it's impact on the field of nation. It shows the basic space of tyranny and survive in the war and after the war the actual situation.

"Dulce et Decorum Est" by Wilfred Owen :-

The poem portrays the grim and traumatic experiences of soldiers during World War I, challenging the romanticized notions of war. It was great sacrifice for country, for freedom, and for nation as well. It shows the horror of war and actual dark condition of war. They Chase with the harsh reality of experience and gripped with death.

"Saving Private Ryan" (Movie) :-

The film also depicts the harsh realities of war, especially through its intense and realistic portrayal of the D-Day landing. It doesn't romanticize war but presents it as a brutal and challenging ordeal. In this movie we can compared with "Dulce et Decorum Est" this poem. We can see in this movie that also shown that the harsh reality of war and conditions after the war. The major importance of letter that coming from home or family member it must be good impact on soldiers feelings and emotions. That letters considered as a motivational elements towards soldiers. Death is a symbol of bravery on the field of war. 

"Paths of Glory" (Movie) :-

The film explores the injustice and futility of war, particularly focusing on the lives of soldiers caught in the machinations of military leadership during World War I. This movie explore the responsibility towards nation and homeland. In this movie we can see that the honour and privilege for dream and part of war is the pride for own self. We can also see that the sacrifice of soldiers.

Conclusion :-

It is very relevant and great things about soldiers. We can clearly see that the purity of soldiers for nation and as well as own homeland. Soldiers sacrifice their own life for that nation and keeping it safe from enemies. This poems and it's lines make imaginary pictures of during that time. The letters from home or family member it could be most prominent figure in the life of soldiers. In one poem "The Hero" by Siegfried Sassoon we can identify the feeling of mother to her child who is on the field of war. Mother worried about his child life and write a letter to him for give lot of  blessings and motivation.