War Poetry

WW1 POETRY

The two poems that I intend to compare and contrast are “The Hero” by Siegfried Sassoon and “Dulce Et Decorum Est” by Wilfred Owen. Both poems talk of men who died. The poems are both seen (via the author) through the eyes of serving soldiers. Both poets seem keen to let the reader know what really happens in a war environment.

Although both poets have this common purpose, Sassoon demonstrates the lies and deceit that afflicted the average family. Families were told what the government and military wanted them to hear “gallant lies”. It would have affected morale at home if soldiers were portrayed as cowards, so ironically all families always had “The Hero” in their family.

Specifically, Sassoon’s hero is a young man who has attempted to get himself sent home and died in the process. A fellow officer is sent with the “death” telegram and to personally notify her. He tells the mother ...