“1914” is a war poem, written by famed poet and author, Wilfred Owen, who also served as a soldier during World War I. The poem was published posthumously as Owen died in action in 1918.
This poem uses the seasons to describe the reckoning effects of the world, not just on the physical landscape but on the morality of the world. By comparing the war to wintertime, the narrator sets a desolate tone from the outset. Not only has humanity been ripped to shreds by the atrocious events, but all thought and feeling has left the world. All that remains is the shell of the human body and the narrator does not know if we can ever recover from this.
The poem is a sonnet and is divided into two stanzas, with an ABBAABBA CDDCEE rhyme scheme present. The tornado in the poem is a metaphor for Germany, symbolizing their destruction of the world as we knew it. Though the speaker is anonymous, it has been speculated that Owen is speaking to the audience, having been a soldier in the war.
"1914" is a poignant poem written by Wilfred Owen, a renowned English poet known for his powerful and evocative works that capture the harrowing realities of World War I. Written during a time of immense conflict and suffering, Owen's "1914" reflects the deep disillusionment and despair experienced by soldiers on the front lines. The poem serves as a stark commentary on the grim nature of war and its profound impact on the human psyche.
In "1914," Owen explores the stark contrast between the romanticized notions of war prevalent in the early days of the conflict and the brutal reality faced by soldiers in the trenches. The poem opens with a reference to the medieval legend of the Wild Hunt, a mythic, spectral chase associated with impending doom. Owen skillfully uses this mythic imagery to convey the sense of foreboding and impending tragedy that pervades the war experience.
As with much of Owen's work, "1914" is characterized by its vivid and visceral descriptions, offering readers a glimpse into the horrors of war from the perspective of those who endured it. Through his poignant verses, Owen challenges the glorification of war and presents a stark and unflinching portrayal of the devastating toll it takes on the human spirit. "1914" stands as a testament to Owen's commitment to depicting the harsh realities of war and serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict.
