So, we were asked to write an essay pertaining to the question: "How does *war poetry* 'shape' our world?"
I'm stuck with finding three reasons.
I have an idea of one reason - "it is able to recite the story of the soldiers and their views in a more complex and emotional manner," but even then I think it's still a bit too shallow.
Please suggest any other reasons, thanks :))
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46560/dulce-et-decorum-est
This is a poem written by a British poet, Wilfred Owen, during WWI when he was serving in the British Army in France. He didn't make it home, but much of his poetry did. You should have no trouble getting 3 reasons and some examples to explain your reasons.
Read through this and think of tired soldiers (usually young men). The gas shells referred to are the Mustard gas used by the Germans in that war. The green light refers to the gas masks the soldiers were to put on.
Use the emotions you feel as you read this and understand what was happening to those men.
Be sure you understand what the ending of the poem means.
You can find more of Owen's poetry here if you want more ideas:
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/wilfred-owen#tab-poems
https://www.poemhunter.com/poems/war/page-1/206496/
https://www.poemhunter.com/poems/war/page-1/31639/
https://www.poemhunter.com/poems/war/page-1/435116/
https://www.poemhunter.com/poems/war/page-1/32254/
Read those four poems. How does it express what people see, feel, and remember?
Here's one of the best known war poems.
In Flanders Fields
BY JOHN MCCRAE
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Certainly! Exploring different aspects of war poetry can help you develop more reasons for how it shapes our world. Here are three additional reasons you can consider:
1. Historical documentation and remembrance: War poetry serves as a form of historical documentation, capturing the experiences of soldiers, their emotions, and the impact of war on individuals and societies. By preserving these personal accounts, war poetry helps us remember and understand the realities of war, allowing future generations to learn from past mistakes and strive for peace. This historical lens can shape our world by creating collective memory and encouraging reflection on the consequences of armed conflicts.
2. Advocacy for peace and social change: War poetry often has a strong anti-war sentiment and advocates for the end of violence. Through vivid descriptions of the horrors and devastation of war, poets aim to awaken empathy in readers and stimulate a sense of urgency for peace. Such messages can influence public opinion and discourse, shaping the mindset of society towards non-violence, diplomacy, and conflict resolution. War poetry can thus inspire activism and social change, leading to a world that values peaceful resolutions and seeks to prevent war.
3. Expression of universal human emotions: War poetry deals with profound emotions like fear, loss, sacrifice, and resilience. By portraying the human side of war, it connects individuals on a deeper level and fosters empathy. This emotional connection transcends time, culture, and borders, allowing people from diverse backgrounds to empathize with the experiences of soldiers and the impact of war. In doing so, war poetry encourages compassion and understanding, promoting a more compassionate and connected world where the human toll of war is acknowledged and valued.
Remember, you can use these reasons as starting points to develop your essay further. Feel free to delve into specific examples and poets to provide evidence for each reason, highlighting the power of war poetry in shaping our world.