War is something that is usually not related to poetry because it is viewed in a negative light. However, war could be considered poetry in motion. Every moment in battle is unique in its own way. When a poet writes about a war-related occurrence, it becomes a beautiful piece of art. The two poems discussed are “Dulce et Decorum Est” by Wilfred Owen and “Harry Patch (In Memory of)” by the rock band Radiohead. These two poems have one common theme -- war.
Wilfred Owen’s poem “Dulce et Decorum Est” which translates to “It is sweet and right” is a poem about a proud soldier and his perspective during a nighttime battle in World War One (WWI). The platoon of soldiers is moving on the front from one location of the trenches to the next for safe haven from enemy attacks. While crossing through the trenches, they are hit with a gas bomb which causes nervous chaos amongst this group of soldiers who are seeking protection from the poisonous threat. One of the soldiers does not make it to safety in time, gets hit, and falls behind. The speaker details this soldier slowly slipping away to his death from the devastating gas. The second poem “Harry Patch (In Memory of)” by the rock band Radiohead commemorates a former war veteran, Harry Patch. The lyrics from this song paint a …show more content…
When considering both poems, there is one underlying theme -- that serving for your country may be glorious and fulfilling, but in the end all you are is a another number gambling with life and death. If Owen were alive during the 20th century to read the lyrics of Radiohead’s “Harry Patch,” he would have much respect for Harry Patch and also agree with the anti-war messages in Radiohead 's lyrics. Both poems show a deeper perspective of how dramatic and frightening the act of war can
Wilfred Owen’s poem “Dulce et Decorum Est” which translates to “It is sweet and right” is a poem about a proud soldier and his perspective during a nighttime battle in World War One (WWI). The platoon of soldiers is moving on the front from one location of the trenches to the next for safe haven from enemy attacks. While crossing through the trenches, they are hit with a gas bomb which causes nervous chaos amongst this group of soldiers who are seeking protection from the poisonous threat. One of the soldiers does not make it to safety in time, gets hit, and falls behind. The speaker details this soldier slowly slipping away to his death from the devastating gas. The second poem “Harry Patch (In Memory of)” by the rock band Radiohead commemorates a former war veteran, Harry Patch. The lyrics from this song paint a …show more content…
When considering both poems, there is one underlying theme -- that serving for your country may be glorious and fulfilling, but in the end all you are is a another number gambling with life and death. If Owen were alive during the 20th century to read the lyrics of Radiohead’s “Harry Patch,” he would have much respect for Harry Patch and also agree with the anti-war messages in Radiohead 's lyrics. Both poems show a deeper perspective of how dramatic and frightening the act of war can