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World War I Poets. “The War to End All Wars”. World War I in Britain. 1914-1918 Over 850,000 young men died Approximately 292,000 civilians died Hundreds of young men were left with serious physical and psychological damage Massive social change came after the war.
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World War I Poets “The War to End All Wars”
World War I in Britain • 1914-1918 • Over 850,000 young men died • Approximately 292,000 civilians died • Hundreds of young men were left with serious physical and psychological damage • Massive social change came after the war
Siegfried “Mad Jack” Sassoon • September 8, 1886-September 1, 1967 • Fought in World War I • First with Sussex Yeomanry • Later fought with Royal Welsh Fusiliers • Very brave military actions • Described by friends as “almost suicidal” • Awarded the Military Cross for bravery
Sassoon’s Poetry • Influenced by the war • Influenced by his psychological instability • Began writing in earnest while in treatment for shell-shock • Express anger, frustration with the government and the war
Wilfred Owen • November 18, 1893-November 4, 1918 • Killed in France fighting in the war • Friends with Sassoon • “My subject is War, and the pity of War. The Poetry is in the pity.”
Poetry • Used in therapy to help him cope with his experiences • Bitterness, frustration with the war • “Dulce et decorum est” • “Anthem for a Doomed Youth”