Topic:
In this lesson, you have studied three authors (Owen, Brooke, and Sassoon) who wrote about their experiences with war.
Choose ONE of the poets (Owen, Brooke, or Sasson), and describe what was going on at the time they wrote the poem. Then, using evidence from the poem, discuss TWO ways how their writing was an escape from / coping mechanism from dealing with war.
Wilfred Owen wrote many of his poems during World War I, a time of devastating conflict that brought death and destruction to Europe. Owen himself served as a soldier in the war and his experiences on the front lines heavily influenced his poetry.
In his poem "Dulce et Decorum Est," Owen vividly portrays the horrors of war, particularly focusing on a gas attack that he witnessed. The graphic imagery and harsh language used in the poem convey the brutality and senselessness of war. One way in which Owen used writing as an escape from the war was by expressing his inner turmoil and emotions through his poetry. By putting his thoughts and feelings onto paper, Owen was able to process his traumatic experiences and find a form of release.
Additionally, Owen used his poetry as a coping mechanism by speaking out against the glorification of war. In "Dulce et Decorum Est," Owen challenges the idea that it is honorable and noble to die for one's country, highlighting the harsh reality of war instead. By using his poetry to critique the romanticized portrayal of war, Owen may have found a sense of purpose and catharsis in bringing attention to the true cost of conflict.
Overall, Wilfred Owen's writing served as both an escape from the horrors of war and a coping mechanism for processing his experiences and advocating for peace. Through his powerful poetry, Owen was able to confront the harsh realities of war and contribute to the anti-war movement.