Writing an Internal Assessment Project for English Literature: An Anti-War Poem
1. Introduction
War has always been a recurring theme in literature, serving as both a source of inspiration and a lens through which the human condition is explored. Anti-war poems stand as powerful condemnations of the horrors, futility, and human cost of war. Through vivid imagery, emotional depth, and a critical stance, poets have challenged the glorification of war and advocated for peace. This project delves into one such poem, exploring its nuances and the broader message it conveys.
2. List of Anti-War Poems with Their Poets
"Dulce et Decorum Est" by Wilfred Owen
"The Soldier" by Rupert Brooke
"Anthem for Doomed Youth" by Wilfred Owen
"Grass" by Carl Sandburg
"The Next War" by Wilfred Owen
"War Is Kind" by Stephen Crane
"The Parable of the Old Man and the Young" by Wilfred Owen
"I Have a Rendezvous with Death" by Alan Seeger
Soldiers struggle through thick mud as ominous clouds of green gas fill the air, capturing a haunting moment of fear and vulnerability during a gas attack.
Summaries of the Poems
"Dulce et Decorum Est" by Wilfred Owen This poem vividly portrays the harrowing experiences of soldiers in World War I. It describes the exhaustion of soldiers trudging through mud, a sudden gas attack, and the horrific death of one soldier. Owen concludes with a scathing critique of the idea that it is noble to die for one’s country.
"The Soldier" by Rupert Brooke Unlike many anti-war poems, this sonnet reflects a patriotic and romanticized view of war. The speaker imagines his death abroad, emphasizing that his sacrifice will make the foreign soil "forever England," celebrating the ideals of loyalty and national pride.
"Anthem for Doomed Youth" by Wilfred Owen This poem compares the deaths of soldiers to a funeral, lamenting the absence of traditional rites. Instead of prayers and bells, the soldiers’ deaths are marked by gunfire and battlefield chaos. The poem critiques the dehumanization and industrialization of war.
"Grass" by Carl Sandburg Sandburg’s poem highlights nature’s indifference to human suffering. It describes battlefields like Austerlitz and Gettysburg, where grass grows over the graves, erasing memories of war. The poem underscores the futility and forgetfulness associated with war.
"The Next War" by Wilfred Owen This poem personifies death as a comrade of soldiers, suggesting that death is an inevitable part of war. Owen reflects on soldiers’ camaraderie and their grim acceptance of mortality, while condemning the endless cycles of war.
"War Is Kind" by Stephen Crane Crane uses heavy irony to criticize war, repeating the phrase "War is kind" while describing its brutal reality. The poem juxtaposes scenes of suffering and death with false assurances of glory, highlighting the senselessness of war.
"The Parable of the Old Man and the Young" by Wilfred Owen A retelling of the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac, this poem condemns the older generation’s willingness to sacrifice the young in war. Unlike the biblical tale, the old man in Owen’s poem chooses war over compassion, leading to tragedy.
"I Have a Rendezvous with Death" by Alan Seeger This poem is a solemn reflection on the inevitability of death in war. The speaker accepts his fate with a sense of duty and honor, describing his "rendezvous" with death as a personal and unavoidable encounter.
A portrait of Wilfred Owen in his military uniform, seated at a desk with a pen and papers in front of him. Behind him, a faint overlay of a war-torn battlefield with soldiers marching adds context to his life and work.
3. The Poem
For this project, the chosen poem is "Dulce et Decorum Est" by Wilfred Owen.
4. Summary of the Poem
"Dulce et Decorum Est" paints a harrowing picture of World War I, juxtaposing the romanticized notion of war with its brutal reality. The poem begins by describing weary soldiers trudging through mud, emphasizing their exhaustion and despair. Suddenly, a gas attack forces the men to scramble for their masks, but one soldier fails to secure his in time. The poet recounts the haunting image of the dying soldier, his face "like a devil’s sick of sin." The final lines challenge the old adage "Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori" (It is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country), calling it a lie perpetuated to glorify war.
5. About the Author
Wilfred Owen (1893–1918) was an English poet and soldier renowned for his poignant war poetry. Born in Shropshire, England, Owen initially pursued a teaching career but enlisted in the army during World War I. His experiences on the battlefield deeply influenced his work, which often focused on the horrors of war and the suffering of soldiers. Tragically, Owen was killed in action just a week before the Armistice, but his poetry remains a lasting testament to the devastating impact of war.
6. Line-by-Line Analysis of the Poem
"Bent double, like old beggars under sacks," — The soldiers are likened to beggars, emphasizing their exhaustion and loss of dignity.
"Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge," — Vivid imagery portrays their physical suffering and miserable conditions.
"Gas! GAS! Quick, boys!" — The sudden urgency captures the chaos of a gas attack.
"He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning." — The visceral description conveys the agony of the soldier’s death.
"The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori." — The poem’s scathing conclusion denounces the glorification of war.
Exploring the transformative power of anti-war poetry, this evocative image merges the symbolism of open books and soaring doves, inviting reflection on words that oppose the ravages of conflict.
7. Critical Analysis of the Poem
Setting of the Poem
The poem is set on the front lines of World War I, amidst the trenches and the battlefield. The grim environment underscores the harsh realities faced by soldiers.
Mood of the Speaker/Poet
The mood is somber and reflective, tinged with anger and bitterness. The poet’s vivid descriptions evoke pity and horror.
Tone of the Poem
The tone is critical and accusatory, particularly toward those who romanticize war. It shifts from descriptive to confrontational in the final lines.
Structure and Style of the Poem
The poem is written in two stanzas of uneven length, employing a mix of iambic pentameter and irregular rhythms to reflect the unpredictability of war. The use of enjambment adds to its urgency.
Literary Devices Used in the Poem
Imagery — Vivid descriptions bring the horrors of war to life.
Simile — Comparisons like "like old beggars under sacks" emphasize the soldiers’ plight.
Irony — The title and conclusion highlight the bitter irony of the phrase "Dulce et decorum est."
Alliteration — Phrases like "watch the white eyes writhing" add a rhythmic intensity.
Symbolism — The gas represents the indiscriminate and dehumanizing nature of war.
In the desolation of a World War I battlefield at dusk, a lone soldier walks through the muddy trenches, surrounded by broken barbed wire and under a somber, overcast sky, embodying exhaustion and grief amidst the haunting silence of war.
8. Conclusion
"Dulce et Decorum Est" remains one of the most powerful anti-war poems in English literature. Through stark imagery, raw emotion, and unflinching honesty, Wilfred Owen dismantles the myth of war as a noble endeavor. The poem is a poignant reminder of the need for empathy, understanding, and a commitment to peace.
9. Bibliography
Owen, Wilfred. "Dulce et Decorum Est." Poems by Wilfred Owen, 1920.
Stallworthy, Jon. Wilfred Owen: A Biography. Oxford University Press, 1974.
Bloom, Harold, ed. Wilfred Owen. Chelsea House Publishers, 2002.
Online resources: Poetry Foundation, Britannica.
Anti-war poetry resonates deeply with readers, but what aspect of it do you think has the most impact?
Imagery – Vivid descriptions of war’s horrors.
Emotion – Raw feelings of sorrow and anger.
Message – Strong critique of war and call for peace.
Context – Real events that make it relatable.
Cast your vote and share your thoughts in the comments!
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