The First World War has been undisputed as being one of the most tragic events in human history. The trench warfare provided unique conditions for soldiers on the frontline which often times would lead to a condition known as shell-shock, and today is referred to as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). As the name suggests, people with this condition experience serious physical and psychological damage inhibiting everyday functions of life on account of a particularly traumatic life event. Not much was known about shell-shock during the First World War Era, and there were different explanations for the condition. Most commonly, shell shock was disregarded as mere cowardice and weakness in battle, and disciplinary measures were taken to confront
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Firstly, it provides definitions for what constitutes shell shock. Secondly, it provides an evolution of the term from merely “nervousness” to a much more charged term “shell shock”. Thirdly, it reveals the public opinion of shell shock, which according to the journal is in opposition to reality: “based on false premises … [and] by its pitiful and romantic sound, has tended to perpetuate symptoms and to excite no determination in the mind of the sufferer to regain his control or in the fighting man to still endure.” In other words, the phrase shell shock was meant to invoke sympathy in the general population. In addition, it also exemplifies the expectations of soldiers to continue fighting in the face of the overwhelming trauma brought about by trench …show more content…
He describes these soldiers as “stammering”, having “disconnected talk”, and forgetting how to walk. Unlike the medical article, this poem displays a greater degree of sensitivity to the topic, but it still addresses a similar implication. The poem speaks of the horrific memories of the war which are sure to be forgotten because the soldier can return home with the pride and glory. While pronouncing a similar understanding of shell shock as the medical journal as something to simply forget about, Sassoon seems to express a greater degree of empathy which is certainly a result of his experience on the frontlines during the War.
Discussion of shell shock can also be found in the arts. American playwright, Eugene O’Neill, wrote the one act play “Shell Shock” in 1918, which features a combatant in the First World War, Wayne, who is assigned to work with afflicted patients. One of his friends from the war, Jack, returns and describes his experience returning home:
It seems as if you were burried in the tomb of a pyramid erected before the stars were born. Time has died of old age; and the silence, like the old Chinese water torture, drips leadenly drop by drop—on your brain—and then you think—you have to think—about the things you ought to
Firstly, it provides definitions for what constitutes shell shock. Secondly, it provides an evolution of the term from merely “nervousness” to a much more charged term “shell shock”. Thirdly, it reveals the public opinion of shell shock, which according to the journal is in opposition to reality: “based on false premises … [and] by its pitiful and romantic sound, has tended to perpetuate symptoms and to excite no determination in the mind of the sufferer to regain his control or in the fighting man to still endure.” In other words, the phrase shell shock was meant to invoke sympathy in the general population. In addition, it also exemplifies the expectations of soldiers to continue fighting in the face of the overwhelming trauma brought about by trench …show more content…
He describes these soldiers as “stammering”, having “disconnected talk”, and forgetting how to walk. Unlike the medical article, this poem displays a greater degree of sensitivity to the topic, but it still addresses a similar implication. The poem speaks of the horrific memories of the war which are sure to be forgotten because the soldier can return home with the pride and glory. While pronouncing a similar understanding of shell shock as the medical journal as something to simply forget about, Sassoon seems to express a greater degree of empathy which is certainly a result of his experience on the frontlines during the War.
Discussion of shell shock can also be found in the arts. American playwright, Eugene O’Neill, wrote the one act play “Shell Shock” in 1918, which features a combatant in the First World War, Wayne, who is assigned to work with afflicted patients. One of his friends from the war, Jack, returns and describes his experience returning home:
It seems as if you were burried in the tomb of a pyramid erected before the stars were born. Time has died of old age; and the silence, like the old Chinese water torture, drips leadenly drop by drop—on your brain—and then you think—you have to think—about the things you ought to