In this lesson, you have studied three authors who wrote about their experiences during World War I. Write 3–5 sentences describing the poet’s perspective in one of the poems and connecting it to the events of the time, such as World War I. How did literature help people cope with the effects of the war?
In Wilfred Owen's poem "Dulce et Decorum Est," the poet conveys a stark and vivid portrayal of the horrors of war, particularly the gas attacks experienced by soldiers during World War I. Owen's perspective exposes the brutal realities of warfare, shedding light on the physical and psychological suffering endured by soldiers on the front lines. Despite the poem's graphic imagery, Owen crucially challenges the romanticized notions of war propagated by propaganda and nationalism, highlighting the disillusionment and senselessness of conflict.
Literature during World War I played a pivotal role in helping people cope with the effects of the war by providing a platform for reflection, emotional release, and understanding. Authors like Wilfred Owen, Siegfried Sassoon, and Vera Brittain used their works to shed light on the human cost of war, expressing the trauma, loss, and devastation experienced by individuals. Through poetry, prose, and memoirs, writers were able to offer solace, empathy, and solidarity to those affected by the war, fostering a sense of connection and shared experience among readers. In this way, literature served as a form of catharsis and a means of processing the trauma and complexities of war.