Analysis Of Wilfred Owens Anthem For Doomed Youth

Texts are inevitably shaped by the contexts of their time. Since the inception of protest, poetry has remained a quintessential medium to question the status quo. With humanity sealed in its first global conflict, Wilfred Owen reveals the plight of soldiers to ‘warn’ those who remain oblivious of the ‘pity of war’. The poet delivers critique on the lack of empathy from authoritative institutions in his 1917 ‘Anthem for Doomed Youth’, educating the audience on information which had previously been withheld in its time. ‘Dulce et Decorum est’ enlightens further by expounding on the physical and mental trauma of his ‘generation’, questioning age old paradigms on warfare that were ingrained into society. Either elegy gives voice to the brutal†¦show more content†¦He reinforces this further by deluging the audience with commemorations like ‘candles’ and bugles’, their repetition causing them to l ose meaning and effect. Owen concludes by focusing on the bereaved, who are left without amends because of the bleak ethics from authority. Comparing a ‘slow dusk’ to the ‘drawing-down of blinds’, the poet symbolises both the way in which blinds are drawn down upon receiving ill news and another ritual for the deceased. This duality emphasises the relationship between the ‘girls’ and their loved ones, evoking a pathetic response from the audience and further incriminates the damage caused from institutions. Owen’s act as the ‘truthful’ poet declassifies sensitive information about the war, allowing the public to make clarified decisions and break free of principles bestowed upon them by authority. ‘Dulce et Decorum est’ stresses the changing time in attempt to shatter millennia worth of texts which had ingrained into society that conflict was ‘sweet’ and ‘honourable’. Prior to World War I, almost every civilization in the world had strong influences from militarism, making it only natural for poets amongst other others to glorify death for one’s country. However, a new era of warfare, enveloped by sickening technology and the introduction of trenches made World War I a terrifying experience for those like Owen, who served on the frontline. By 1917, manyShow MoreRelatedWilfred Owens Anthem for Doomed Youth Analysis Essay777 Words   |  4 PagesWilfred Owens Anthem for a Doomed Youth is exactly that, an anthem ( a solemn song) to commemorate the innocent youth, whose lives were taken to soon by war. By using the word anthem, he calls to mind the glory and honor of a national anthem, however; he goes on to explain that there is no h onor or glory in death, pairing the words doomed and youth together creates so much sorrow as well, it provides a woeful impression as it foretells of young people having no hope. 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