War Poetry

This blog is assigned by Prakruti Bhatt ma'am as a part of thinking Activity.

For basic idea of war poetry you can check out from this video 

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

For this I'm Comparing"Dulce et Decorum Est" by Wilfred Owen with "The Charge of the Light Brigade" by Alfred Lord Tennyson.

Introduction 

War has always been a powerful theme in literature, evoking a range of emotions and perspectives. Two quintessential war poems, Wilfred Owen's "Dulce et Decorum Est" and Alfred Lord Tennyson's "The Charge of the Light Brigade," represent contrasting views on the experience and meaning of war. While Owen's poem presents the grim realities of combat, Tennyson's poem glorifies the valor and sacrifice of soldiers. 

Themes

"Dulce et Decorum Est": The Horrors of War

Wilfred Owen critiques the glorification of war by exposing its harsh and traumatic realities. His firsthand experience as a soldier during World War I shaped his perspective, and the poem reflects his outrage at the suffering caused by blind nationalism. The title itself, which translates to "It is sweet and proper to die for one’s country," is used ironically, as the poem dismantles this patriotic ideal. Through vivid imagery, Owen conveys the brutality of trench warfare, the physical and psychological toll on soldiers, and the futility of their sacrifice.

"The Charge of the Light Brigade": Heroism and Sacrifice

Tennyson’s poem, inspired by the infamous charge of British cavalry during the Battle of Balaclava in the Crimean War, celebrates the bravery of soldiers who followed orders despite the odds. The poem immortalizes their sacrifice, portraying their loyalty and courage as noble and praiseworthy. Tennyson does not dwell on the suffering or futility of war but focuses on the collective heroism of the “six hundred.” The theme resonates with Victorian ideals of duty and honor, even when faced with a tragic military blunder.

Style and Structure

"Dulce et Decorum Est"

Owen employs free verse and an irregular structure to mirror the chaos of war. The poem's fragmented rhythm and abrupt shifts reflect the unpredictable and violent nature of battle. The jarring transitions, such as the sudden gas attack described mid-poem, heighten the tension and immerse the reader in the soldiers' experience. The disjointed structure also underscores the disorientation of war. For instance:

"Gas! Gas! Quick, boys! – An ecstasy of fumbling,

Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time;"

"The Charge of the Light Brigade"

Tennyson's poem is highly structured, with a rhythmic pattern that mimics the galloping of horses. The poem's meter, repetition, and parallelism create a sense of momentum and inevitability, reflecting the forward motion of the cavalry charge. The refrain “Rode the six hundred” emphasizes their collective identity and reinforces their heroic image. For example:

"Half a league, half a league,

Half a league onward,

All in the valley of Death

Rode the six hundred."

The controlled rhythm contrasts with the chaos of Owen’s poem, reflecting Tennyson’s focus on grandeur rather than destruction.

Language and Imagery

"Dulce et Decorum Est"

Owen’s language is graphic and visceral, designed to confront the reader with the grim realities of war. His descriptions of the soldiers as “Bent double, like old beggars under sacks” and “coughing like hags” strip away any romanticized notions of military glory. The imagery of the gas attack is especially harrowing:

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

As under a green sea, I saw him drowning."

Owen uses sensory details sight, sound, touch, and even smell to immerse the reader in the horrors of the battlefield.

"The Charge of the Light Brigade"

Tennyson’s imagery is more abstract and heroic, evoking a sense of grandeur. Metaphors like “the jaws of Death” and “the mouth of Hell” elevate the soldiers’ actions to a mythic level. The language is deliberately less graphic, focusing instead on the soldiers' bravery and the magnitude of their sacrifice:

"Into the valley of Death

Rode the six hundred."

While Owen forces the reader to confront war’s brutality, Tennyson offers a more sanitized, almost cinematic view, avoiding explicit descriptions of death and sufferin.

Tone 

"Dulce et Decorum Est"

The tone is bitter, angry, and condemning. Owen writes with a sense of disillusionment, challenging the idealistic propaganda that glorifies war. The final lines, which call the patriotic maxim a lie, encapsulate his scorn:

"The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est

Pro patria mori."

 

"The Charge of the Light Brigade"

The tone is reverent and celebratory. Despite acknowledging the futility of the charge (“Someone had blundered”), Tennyson emphasizes the soldiers' unwavering commitment to duty. The poem is an ode to their heroism, ending on a note of admiration:

"When can their glory fade?
O the wild charge they made!
All the world wondered."

Treatment of War

"Dulce et Decorum Est"

Owen portrays war as dehumanizing, focusing on the individual suffering of soldiers. His critique is deeply personal, drawing from his own trauma. The poem challenges the reader to reconsider the morality of war and the societal narratives that glorify it. The focus is on the waste of life and the psychological scars left on survivors.

"The Charge of the Light Brigade"

Tennyson frames war as a stage for heroic acts, emphasizing collective honor rather than individual suffering. The soldiers are depicted as noble and selfless, their sacrifice serving as a testament to their loyalty and courage. The poem does not dwell on the consequences of war but celebrates its participants' valor.

Difference

Perspective

Wilfred Owen’s “Dulce et Decorum Est” is written from a first-person perspective, immersing readers in the immediate and personal experience of a soldier. The poem conveys the raw emotions and physical suffering of the speaker, making the horrors of war deeply intimate and relatable. In contrast, Alfred Lord Tennyson’s “The Charge of the Light Brigade” adopts a third-person perspective, presenting the events as a distant observer. This detachment allows Tennyson to focus on the collective heroism of the soldiers, rather than individual suffering, creating a broader and more abstract narrative.

Tone

The tone of “Dulce et Decorum Est” is bitter and condemning. Owen vividly criticizes the glorification of war and those who perpetuate the idea that dying for one’s country is noble. His anger and frustration resonate throughout the poem, particularly in the scathing conclusion. On the other hand, “The Charge of the Light Brigade” is reverent and celebratory. Tennyson honors the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers, portraying them as noble heroes despite the futility of their mission. The tone elevates their actions as a symbol of courage and duty.

Imagery

Owen employs graphic and grotesque imagery to highlight the physical horrors of war. Scenes of gas attacks and the agonizing death of a soldier choking on gas are described in visceral detail, leaving a lasting impression of war’s brutality. In contrast, Tennyson uses abstract and heroic imagery, such as the “valley of Death,” to evoke grandeur and bravery. The imagery in “The Charge of the Light Brigade” romanticizes war, focusing on the valor of the soldiers rather than the gruesome reality of their deaths.

Message

The message of “Dulce et Decorum Est” is unmistakably anti-war. Owen denounces war as meaningless and traumatic, dismantling the notion that there is honor in dying for one’s country. He exposes the lies of wartime propaganda and the devastating impact of war on soldiers. Conversely, “The Charge of the Light Brigade” conveys a pro-war sentiment, emphasizing the honor and glory in bravery and sacrifice. Despite the disastrous outcome of the charge, Tennyson immortalizes the soldiers as paragons of courage and duty.

Structure

The structure of “Dulce et Decorum Est” is irregular and chaotic, mirroring the disarray and unpredictability of war. Its uneven rhythm and fragmented lines reflect the physical and emotional turmoil experienced by soldiers. In contrast, “The Charge of the Light Brigade” is rhythmic and ordered, with a steady meter that echoes the relentless advance of the cavalry. This structured form reinforces the sense of unity and discipline, underscoring the soldiers’ bravery even in the face 

of certain death.

Similarities

 Focus on Soldiers:

 Both poems center on the experiences of soldiers, whether as individuals or a collective, highlighting their courage and endurance.

Criticism of Leadership:

 Both poems implicitly critique those in command. In "Dulce et Decorum Est," Owen condemns the societal leaders who propagate the “old Lie.” In "The Charge of the Light Brigade," Tennyson hints at the blunder that led to the unnecessary deaths.

Memorability :

Both poems feature iconic lines that resonate with their themes. Owen’s “The old Lie” contrasts sharply with Tennyson’s “Theirs not to reason why, / Theirs but to do and die.”

➡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." Discuss this statement in the context of any two of the war poems you have studied.

The statement emphasizes that war poetry, while often associated with anti-war sentiment, primarily engages with profound existential and moral questions such as identity, innocence, guilt, and mortality. In the context of Rupert Brooke’s “The Soldier” and Wilfred Owen’s “Dulce et Decorum Est,” this distinction is particularly significant, as the two poems provide contrasting perspectives on war, both grappling with its deeper implications.

"The Soldier" by Rupert Brooke: Romanticizing War and National Identity

Rupert Brooke’s “The Soldier” is a sonnet that glorifies war and emphasizes patriotism. Written during the early stages of World War I, it reflects the idealistic and romantic view of war prevalent at the time. Brooke portrays the soldier’s death as a noble sacrifice, contributing to the greater good of his nation.

Identity and Nationalism:

The speaker’s identity is intertwined with England. The opening lines, “If I should die, think only this of me: / That there's some corner of a foreign field / That is forever England,” suggest a sense of eternal belonging to one’s country, even in death. For Brooke, the soldier’s identity transcends his individual existence and merges with the essence of England.

Innocence and Idealism:

Brooke’s portrayal of war is devoid of brutality or suffering. Instead, he frames the soldier’s death as a spiritual act that sanctifies the land. This reflects the innocence and naivety of those who viewed war as a noble venture.

Mortality and Sacrifice:

The poem emphasizes the permanence of the soldier’s contribution to his nation. Death is not a loss but a transformation, where the soldier becomes a symbol of England’s glory and virtue.

In this sense, Brooke’s poem is not anti-war but rather a celebration of the virtues of duty, loyalty, and patriotism, viewing war as a means to achieve immortality and honor.

"Dulce et Decorum Est" by Wilfred Owen: The Horrors of War

Wilfred Owen’s “Dulce et Decorum Est” starkly contrasts Brooke’s romanticism, providing a visceral depiction of the physical and psychological horrors of war. Written during the later stages of World War I, Owen’s poem dismantles the myth of the noble soldier’s death.

Humanity and Dehumanization:

Owen vividly describes soldiers as “bent double, like old beggars under sacks.” This imagery strips them of their dignity, portraying them as broken and weary. The dehumanizing impact of war emerges as a central theme.

Guilt and Trauma:

The gas attack described in the poem highlights the speaker’s sense of helplessness and survivor’s guilt. The haunting image of the soldier dying, “guttering, choking, drowning,” lingers in the speaker’s mind, reflecting the psychological scars left by war.

The Futility of War:

Owen’s use of irony in the closing lines “The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est / Pro patria mori” challenges the glorification of war propagated by earlier poets like Brooke. The phrase, meaning “It is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country,” is exposed as a cruel falsehood, underscoring the senseless suffering inflicted by war.

While Owen critiques the romantic ideals of war, his poem also delves into universal questions of mortality and the ethical implications of war, revealing its devastating impact on individuals and humanity as a whole.

Comparison 

Both poems address the existential questions of life and death but from opposite perspectives:

Brooke celebrates war as a means to achieve honor and eternal unity with one’s homeland.

Owen, on the other hand, exposes the brutality and futility of war, challenging the idealism found in Brooke’s work.

Together, these poems exemplify how war poetry transcends mere political or ideological commentary to engage with profound questions about identity, duty, humanity, and mortality. While Brooke romanticizes war, Owen’s realism forces readers to confront its harsh realities, making both contributions vital to understanding the complexities of war poetry.

➡Compare Ivor Gurney's The Target with Wilfred Owen's Dulce et Decorum Est. What are some notable similarities and differences between these two war poets and their poetry?

Ivor Gurney’s “The Target” and Wilfred Owen’s “Dulce et Decorum Est” are powerful examples of war poetry, capturing the harrowing realities of World War I. Both poets, as soldiers, experienced the brutalities of war firsthand, which profoundly shaped their work. However, their thematic focus, tone, and stylistic approach reveal both similarities and key differences.

Similarities

Shared Anti-War Sentiment:

Both poems reject the glorification of war and reveal its devastating impact on soldiers.

In “Dulce et Decorum Est,” Owen exposes the horrors of gas attacks and the psychological toll of witnessing death, calling the idea of a noble death for one’s country “The old Lie.”

Gurney’s “The Target” delves into the soldier’s inner conflict and guilt over killing, presenting war as morally destructive.

 Focus on the Soldier’s Experience:

Both poets concentrate on the personal perspective of the soldier rather than glorifying nationalistic ideals.

Owen uses vivid imagery to depict the physical suffering of soldiers: “Bent double, like old beggars under sacks.”

Gurney, through the voice of a soldier, reflects on his actions and humanity, saying, “I shot him, and it had to be / One of us.”

 Realism and Brutality:

The poems employ unflinching realism to portray the grim realities of war.

Owen’s graphic description of a soldier choking on gas “guttering, choking, drowning” highlights the visceral horrors of combat.

Gurney’s soldier reflects on the guilt of killing and the inevitability of death, stating, “He thought of the man he killed, and of his own approaching end.”

Critique of War’s Emotional Toll:

Both poets explore the psychological scars of war.

Owen’s poem reflects the trauma of witnessing a comrade’s death, as the memory haunts the speaker.

Gurney emphasizes the soldier’s remorse and his longing for familial forgiveness, showing the moral injury inflicted by war.

Differences

Tone and Perspective:

Owen’s tone is overtly bitter and accusatory. He directly condemns those who perpetuate the myth of war’s nobility, targeting his critique at society and propagandists.

Gurney’s tone is introspective and personal. He focuses more on the soldier’s inner turmoil and moral dilemmas rather than directing blame outward.

Themes of Guilt and Responsibility:

In “The Target,” the soldier acknowledges his personal responsibility for killing, which haunts him: “For it was him or me.” The poem explores the individual’s struggle with guilt and humanity.

Owen’s “Dulce et Decorum Est” does not focus on guilt but rather on the shared suffering of soldiers and the injustice of war, emphasizing collective victimhood.

Imagery and Style:

Owen employs graphic, detailed imagery to shock the reader into understanding the horrors of war. His descriptions of the gas attack are vivid and relentless, creating a nightmarish effect.

Gurney’s imagery is subtler and more focused on the soldier’s emotional state. His reflection on his actions, thoughts of home, and longing for his mother create a poignant and personal atmosphere.

Critique of Propaganda:

Owen explicitly critiques war propaganda with the phrase “The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est / Pro patria mori,” challenging the glorification of war and blind patriotism.

Gurney does not explicitly address propaganda but instead presents a more personal and philosophical meditation on the morality of war.

Conclusion

Both “The Target” and “Dulce et Decorum Est” are poignant critiques of war, exposing its physical, emotional, and moral toll. However, Owen’s poem is more accusatory and outwardly critical of societal myths about war, while Gurney’s is introspective, focusing on the personal guilt and humanity of the soldier. Together, these poems provide complementary perspectives on the complexities of war, highlighting its devastating effects on both individual lives and collective conscience.

References 

.“." Poetry for Students. . Encyclopedia.Com. 25 Dec. 2024 .” Encyclopedia.Com, Encyclopedia.com, 25 Dec. 2024, www.encyclopedia.com/arts/educational-magazines/dulce-et-decorum-est?hl=en-US.