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.
Scoring:
/1 Choosing a poet – 1 point
/4 Describing the poet’s perspective and connecting to the events of the time – 4 points
/4 Giving two pieces of evidence from the text and discussing two ways their writing was an escape from or a coping mechanism from dealing with the war – 4 points (2 points for textual evidence, two points for explanation of how the poet dealt with their experiences)
Wilfred Owen was a British poet who wrote during WWI, a time of extreme violence and devastation. Owen’s poems often depict the harsh realities of war and the impact it had on soldiers both physically and emotionally. His perspective was deeply influenced by his experience as a soldier in the war, witnessing the horrors first-hand.
One of Owen's most famous poems, "Dulce et Decorum Est," provides evidence of how his writing was an escape from and coping mechanism for dealing with the war. In the poem, Owen vividly describes a gas attack and the brutal effects it has on the soldiers, highlighting the gruesome and traumatic nature of war. By putting his experiences into words, Owen was able to process and come to terms with the intense emotions and trauma he faced on the battlefield. This act of writing served as a way for Owen to release his pent-up emotions and feelings in a creative and cathartic manner, providing him with a sense of relief and comfort amidst the chaos of war.
Furthermore, Owen's poetry often served as a form of protest against the glorification of war and the misleading propaganda that encouraged young men to enlist in the military. By exposing the harsh realities of war in his writing, Owen was able to confront and challenge the societal norms and beliefs that perpetuated violence and senseless sacrifice. This act of speaking out against the injustices of war gave Owen a sense of purpose and empowerment, allowing him to channel his anger and frustration into meaningful and impactful work.
Overall, Wilfred Owen used his poetry as a tool for processing his experiences, speaking out against the brutality of war, and finding solace in a time of great turmoil and suffering. Through his powerful and evocative writing, Owen was able to cope with the traumas of war and make sense of the senseless violence that surrounded him.