The Horrors of War

Owen's main subject is the brutal reality of war and the senseless loss of young lives. He compares the soldiers dying to "cattle" being slaughtered, emphasising the dehumanising nature of war. The poem highlights the chaos, noise, and violence of battle through vivid imagery.

Lack of Proper Funeral Rites

Owen contrasts the deaths of the soldiers with the traditional funeral ceremonies they are denied. There are no "passing-bells", "prayers", "choirs", or "bugles calling for them from sad shires" to mourn their passing. This lack of proper rites adds to the poem's mournful tone.

Questioning Religion and Patriotism

The poem questions the role of religion and patriotism in war. Owen suggests that religion is inadequate in the face of such death and suffering. He also rejects the nationalistic propaganda that glorifies war and martyrdom. Instead, Owen humanises the soldiers and emphasises the immense personal cost of war.

Remembrance and Mourning

A major theme is how to properly remember and mourn the fallen soldiers. Owen proposes more personal forms of remembrance, like the "holy glimmers of goodbyes" in the soldiers' eyes and the "tenderness of patient minds" of their loved ones. The poem ends with a poignant image of the "drawing-down of blinds" as night falls, symbolising the finality of their deaths. 

"Anthem for Doomed Youth" by Wilfred Owen is considered a modernist poem due to its thematic focus, stylistic elements, and its challenge to traditional poetic forms and themes.

Themes and Content

1. Critique of War: The poem addresses the brutal realities of World War I, contrasting the romanticised view of war with its grim realities. Owen's depiction of soldiers dying "as cattle" and the "demented choirs of wailing shells" highlights the dehumanising and mechanised nature of modern warfare. This focus on the horrors of war and the loss of young lives is a common theme in modernist literature, which often explores the disillusionment and trauma of the early 20th century.

2. Rejection of Traditional Heroism: Unlike earlier poetry that glorified war, Owen's poem rejects the notion of war as a noble endeavour. Instead, it presents war as futile and tragic, a perspective that aligns with the modernist tendency to question established narratives and values.

Stylistic Elements

1. Imagery and Sound: Owen uses stark and jarring imagery, such as "monstrous anger of the guns" and "stuttering rifles' rapid rattle," to convey the chaos and violence of battle. The poem's auditory imagery replaces traditional, heroic sounds with the terrifying noises of warfare, emphasising the modernist theme of disillusionment with traditional values.

2. Form and Structure: While "Anthem for Doomed Youth" is structured as a Petrarchan sonnet, Owen subverts this traditional form by using it to deliver a message of despair rather than love or beauty. The poem's division into an octave and a sestet serves to contrast the chaotic battlefield with the silent mourning at home, highlighting the inadequacy of traditional rituals to address the realities of war.

3. Use of Metaphor and Alliteration: Owen employs metaphors like "die as cattle" to emphasise the inhumane treatment of soldiers, and alliteration such as "rifle's rapid rattle" to create a sense of urgency and chaos. These techniques contribute to the poem's modernist style by evoking strong sensory responses and challenging the reader's perceptions.

Challenge to Traditional Poetic Forms

Owen's poem also reflects modernist tendencies by questioning the sufficiency of traditional religious and cultural practices to provide solace in the face of modern warfare's horrors. The poem's title, "Anthem for Doomed Youth," itself is ironic, as it juxtaposes the idea of an anthem, typically a song of praise, with the bleak reality of doomed soldiers.

In summary, "Anthem for Doomed Youth" exemplifies modernist poetry through its exploration of war's grim realities, its subversion of traditional poetic forms, and its use of vivid, unsettling imagery to convey a sense of disillusionment and critique of established narratives.

Influence of Personal Experience

1. Trench Warfare: Owen's time on the front lines exposed him to the brutal realities of modern warfare, which he vividly depicted in his poetry. This firsthand experience allowed him to portray the dehumanising and mechanised nature of war, as seen in "Anthem for Doomed Youth," where he replaces traditional funeral rites with the sounds of battle.

2. Psychological Impact: Owen's experiences with the trauma of war were further processed during his time at Craiglockhart War Hospital, where he was encouraged to translate his experiences into poetry as part of his therapy. This psychological exploration is reflected in the modernist elements of his work, such as the use of vivid imagery and a focus on the inner emotional landscape of soldiers.

3. Influence of Siegfried Sassoon: At Craiglockhart, Owen met fellow poet Siegfried Sassoon, who encouraged him to write about his experiences. Sassoon's emphasis on realism and writing from experience influenced Owen's shift from a more romantic style to one that embraced gritty realism, a hallmark of modernist poetry.

4. Religious Skepticism: Owen's experiences in war also led him to question traditional religious beliefs, which is evident in "Anthem for Doomed Youth." The poem juxtaposes the rituals of a church funeral with the harsh reality of soldiers dying on the battlefield, reflecting Owen's disillusionment with the ability of religion to provide solace in the face of such horror.

Overall, Owen's personal experiences during World War I, coupled with the influence of his contemporaries, significantly contributed to the modernist elements in his poetry, characterised by a stark depiction of war, a rejection of traditional narratives, and an exploration of psychological and existential themes.

The poem "Anthem for Doomed Youth" by Wilfred Owen effectively challenges the nationalist propaganda of its time by presenting a stark and sobering portrayal of war that contrasts sharply with the glorified images promoted by the government and pro-war poets.

Dehumanisation of Soldiers

Owen opens the poem with the line, "What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?" This simile dehumanises the soldiers, equating their deaths to the slaughter of animals, which starkly opposes the heroic narratives often espoused by nationalist rhetoric. By depicting soldiers as mere cattle, Owen critiques the way society commodifies their lives for the sake of war efforts, highlighting the brutality and senselessness of their sacrifice

Inadequate Mourning Rituals

The poem also emphasises the inadequacy of traditional mourning rituals in the face of such mass death. Owen notes the absence of "prayers nor bells" and instead presents the "monstrous anger of the guns" and "the shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells" as the only sounds accompanying the soldiers' deaths. This imagery underscores the chaos of battle and the failure of religious and societal structures to provide meaningful tributes to the fallen, thus critiquing the romanticised view of war that suggests noble deaths are worthy of grand ceremonies.

Questioning Patriotism

Owen's work questions the very foundations of patriotism that fueled enlistment and public support for the war. By portraying the soldiers' experiences in such a grim light, he challenges the notion that dying for one’s country is inherently glorious. Instead, he suggests that the reality of war is filled with suffering and loss, which is often ignored by those who promote nationalistic fervor. The poem calls for a more personal and humane remembrance of the deceased, as seen in lines that reflect the sorrow of loved ones rather than the pomp of military ceremonies.

Conclusion

In summary, "Anthem for Doomed Youth" serves as a powerful counter-narrative to the nationalist propaganda of World War I. Through its vivid imagery and poignant themes, Owen critiques the dehumanisation of soldiers, the inadequacy of traditional mourning, and the glorification of war, ultimately advocating for a more compassionate understanding of the true costs of conflict. 

Allegory

In "Anthem for Doomed Youth," the entire poem serves as an allegory for the senseless slaughter of young soldiers, comparing their deaths to cattle being led to slaughter.

Alliteration

"Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle" in "Anthem for Doomed Youth" uses alliteration with the repetition of the 'r' sound.

Anaphora

The repetition of "Only" in "Anthem for Doomed Youth" ("Only the monstrous anger of the guns. / Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle") serves as an example of anaphora.

Anthropomorphism

Owen often personifies weapons, such as "the monstrous anger of the guns" in "Anthem for Doomed Youth," attributing human emotions to inanimate objects.

Antithesis

In "Anthem for Doomed Youth," the contrast between the sounds of war ("stuttering rifles' rapid rattle") and traditional funeral rites ("prayers nor bells") serves as antithesis.

Assonance

"Doomed youth" in "Anthem for Doomed Youth" features assonance with the repetition of the 'oo' sound.

Cacophony

The harsh sounds of "stuttering rifles' rapid rattle" in "Anthem for Doomed Youth" create cacophony.

Circumlocution

Owen's use of detailed imagery and extended metaphors in "Anthem for Doomed Youth" can sometimes lead to circumlocution as he describes the horrors of war.

Connotation

The word "cattle" in "Anthem for Doomed Youth" carries connotations of slaughter and dehumanization.

Consonance

"Anthem for Doomed Youth" features consonance in phrases like "rifles' rapid rattle" with the repetition of the 'r' sound.

Correlation

The correlation between the sounds of war and traditional funeral rites in "Anthem for Doomed Youth" highlights the poem's theme of the inadequacy of ceremonial tributes.

Cyclic

The repetitive nature of war and death in Owen's poems, such as "Anthem for Doomed Youth," suggests a cyclic pattern of violence.

Decasyllabic

Many lines in Owen's sonnets, such as "Anthem for Doomed Youth," are written in decasyllabic meter.

Dissonance

The clash of sounds in "Anthem for Doomed Youth," such as "stuttering rifles' rapid rattle," creates dissonance.

Double Entendre

The title "Anthem for Doomed Youth" itself can be seen as a double entendre, with "anthem" suggesting both a hymn and a patriotic song, used ironically by Owen.

Dualism

The contrast between the home front and the battlefield in "Anthem for Doomed Youth" reflects a dualism in Owen's portrayal of war.

Enjambment

"Anthem for Doomed Youth" uses enjambment, such as in the lines "Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle / Can patter out their hasty orisons".

Epithet

"Doomed youth" in "Anthem for Doomed Youth" serves as an epithet, highlighting the fate of the soldiers.

Euphemism

The phrase "passing-bells" in "Anthem for Doomed Youth" is a euphemism for death.

Fricative

"Anthem for Doomed Youth" contains fricative sounds in phrases like "rifles' rapid rattle".

Hyperbole

The depiction of soldiers as "cattle" in "Anthem for Doomed Youth" can be seen as hyperbole to emphasise their dehumanisation.

Homonym

The word "pall" in "Anthem for Doomed Youth" is a homonym, referring both to a cloth covering a coffin and to a sense of gloom.

Iambic

"Anthem for Doomed Youth" is written in iambic pentameter, following the traditional sonnet form.

Juxtaposition

"Anthem for Doomed Youth" juxtaposes the sounds of battle with traditional funeral rites to emphasize the brutality of war.

Leitmotif

The recurring theme of "wasted youth" serves as a leitmotif in Owen's poetry, including "Anthem for Doomed Youth".

Litotes

The understatement in "Anthem for Doomed Youth" when referring to the soldiers' deaths as "passing-bells" can be seen as litotes.

Lyrical

"Anthem for Doomed Youth" is a lyrical poem, expressing deep emotion and reflection on the loss of young soldiers.

Metaphor

"Anthem for Doomed Youth" uses metaphors such as "monstrous anger of the guns" to convey the horrors of war.

Meter

"Anthem for Doomed Youth" follows a regular meter, as it is written in sonnet form with iambic pentameter.

Neologism

Owen's inventive use of language in "Anthem for Doomed Youth" includes creating new expressions like "wailing shells".

Onomatopoeia

"Anthem for Doomed Youth" uses onomatopoeia in "stuttering rifles' rapid rattle" to mimic the sound of gunfire.

Oxymoron

The phrase "shrill, demented choirs" in "Anthem for Doomed Youth" serves as an oxymoron, contrasting the expected peacefulness of choirs with the chaos of war.

Paradox

The paradox of "Anthem for Doomed Youth" lies in the idea of an "anthem" for those who are doomed, highlighting the contradiction between celebration and death.

Pentameter

"Anthem for Doomed Youth" is written in iambic pentameter, a common meter in sonnets.

Personification

"Anthem for Doomed Youth" personifies weapons with phrases like "monstrous anger of the guns".

Rhetorical Question

The opening line of "Anthem for Doomed Youth," "What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?" is a rhetorical question that sets the tone for the poem.

Rhyme

"Anthem for Doomed Youth" follows a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFFEGG, typical of a sonnet.

Rhythm

The rhythm in "Anthem for Doomed Youth" is structured and regular, following the sonnet form.

Scansion

Scansion of "Anthem for Doomed Youth" reveals its iambic pentameter and sonnet structure.

Stanza

"Anthem for Doomed Youth" is divided into two stanzas, following the structure of a sonnet.

Structure

"Anthem for Doomed Youth" is structured as a sonnet, with an octave and a sestet.

Style

Owen's style in "Anthem for Doomed Youth" is characterised by vivid imagery and a critical tone.

Synaesthesia

The blending of sensory experiences in "Anthem for Doomed Youth," such as "wailing shells," can be seen as synaesthesia.

Symbolism

"Anthem for Doomed Youth" uses symbolism, such as "candles" and "pall," to represent traditional funeral rites.

Trope

The use of the "doomed youth" trope in "Anthem for Doomed Youth" emphasises the tragic fate of young soldiers.

Octave

The octave presents a vivid depiction of the battlefield, characterised by violent imagery and the sounds of war. It opens with the line, "What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?" which sets a tone of dehumanisation, comparing soldiers to livestock. The imagery of "the monstrous anger of the guns" and "stuttering rifles' rapid rattle" evokes a chaotic and horrific atmosphere, emphasising the brutality of combat.

Sestet

In contrast, the sestet shifts focus to the aftermath of death and the inadequacy of traditional mourning rituals. Owen questions what can truly honor the fallen, suggesting that conventional symbols of mourning, such as candles and prayers, are insufficient. Instead, he highlights the emotional toll on those left behind, using imagery like "the pallor of girls' brows" and "the tenderness of patient minds" to convey the grief experienced by families.

Rhyme and Meter

The poem features an irregular rhyme scheme (ABABCDCD: EFFEGG) that deviates from traditional sonnet forms, reflecting the chaos of war. The use of iambic pentameter provides a rhythmic foundation, though Owen incorporates variations to mirror the unpredictability of battle. This combination of structure and rhythm enhances the poem's emotional impact, contrasting the ordered nature of the sonnet with the disorder of war.

Overall, "Anthem for Doomed Youth" serves as a poignant critique of the glorification of war, emphasizing the personal and societal losses that accompany it. The structured yet chaotic form of the poem effectively encapsulates the tension between the romanticised ideals of heroism and the grim realities faced by soldiers and their families

“Anthem for Doomed Youth” is a poem about World War I, which is estimated to have caused the deaths of around 17 million people worldwide. Written by WWI combatant Wilfred Owen while recovering from the trauma of battle, the poem makes a clear statement: war is a hellish and futile waste of human life. It is, then, a kind of protest poem—subverting the usual use of “anthem” as a symbol of nationalism (that is, taking undue pride in your home nation) into an anti-war message.

From start to finish, the poem foregrounds the wastefulness of war. The reader gets a sense of the way war hollows out society, particularly in its relentless destruction of young men. Men are disposable, the poem suggests, their deaths merely part of the price of war. Note how, in the poem’s very first line, these men are compared to “cattle.” These men are like farmed animals, brought into life only to grow big enough for their own slaughter. Furthermore, the poem makes no attempt to glorify war or paint these men as heroic or noble. It doesn’t say that they’re not these things, but instead makes the case that these traits—heroism and nobility—are rendered practically irrelevant by the sheer brutality of the conflict.

Accordingly, instead of populating the poem with examples of bravery, the poem is full of the daily realities of battle. There are guns, the relentless fire of rifles, and wailing shells falling overhead. All of these are portrayed as hellish and terrifying. The guns fire in “monstrous anger” and the shells scream like “shrill, demented choirs.” In other words, they take on the emotions that represent the worst of humanity: fury and violent madness—the very things that cause war in the first place (along with politics, oppression, and so on).

The latter image of the choirs is especially important. War is often presented along nationalistic lines, with young men encouraged to fight for their countries out of a sense of patriotism. Indeed, in one of Owen’s other famous poems, he ironically quotes the Roman poet Horace: “Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori” (“it is sweet and right to die for one’s country”). But the members of this choir don’t sing the soldiers' national anthem—they sing a bloodthirsty, banshee-like cry of war. The poem makes the point that these men, fed to the war like nameless cattle, will never return home anyway—their actual national anthem is no longer relevant. The bugles will call “for them from sad shires” ("shires" refers to the different parts of Britain), but this call will forever be unanswered.

Ultimately, then, “Anthem for Doomed Youth” asks the reader not to romanticize war. Though it’s a lyrical and beautiful poem, its power comes from the way in which it brings the horrors of war to life. War is held up to the light, exposed as futile, horrific, and tragic.

“Anthem for Doomed Youth” argues that the horrors of a war like WWI render the usual tributes to the dead—e.g. the ringing of bells, collective prayer, choir singing, the draping of coffins with the national flag—practically meaningless. Furthermore, most of the men who die in such conflict will never be honored with such rituals anyway—there are too many fallen soldiers. The poem shows the usual ceremonies to be inadequate and argues in favor of different forms of remembrance that are more appropriate for such a terrible conflict.

In the first stanza, the poem looks at some of the ways that dead soldiers might be honored and transforms them into the sounds and sights of war itself. The rituals referenced—the ringing of bells, prayers in churches, singing choirs—are presented as “mockeries” that fail to do justice to the fallen. That is, these things are so removed from the horrible reality of war that they mock the people they are supposed to honor.

Furthermore, the church and the government are big parts of why these men went off to die in the first place: the soldiers were asked to defend their country and its (Christian) values. The hypocrisy also has to do with how these supposedly solemn rituals take place in relative safety, while the soldiers themselves experience the horrors of war.

Indeed, the only fitting “passing-bells,” “orisons” (prayers), and “choirs” that can pay honest tribute to the war are the weapons of war themselves. Only they deal with the reality of war because they are the reality of war. Of course, the speaker doesn’t really see gunfire as a form of prayer, but rather sees its sound as a truer and more authentic representation of what war is actually like for the soldiers.

In the second stanza, the poem moves to describes more fitting forms of tribute. Instead of the weak light of remembrance candles, for example, the speaker suggests honoring the “holy glimmers of goodbyes” in the soldier's eyes—that is, the dying light of life in their eyes as they realize that their time is up. Then, the speaker goes on to mention the “pallor of girls’ brows,” the “tenderness of patient minds,” and the “drawing-down of blinds” each day. Each of these, the speaker suggests, is a more honest form of tribute.

The first example describes how, rather than having their coffins draped with flags, the young men will be remembered better by the grief-stricken faces of their loved ones—particularly the "girls" who may be their sisters, wives, or girlfriends. Then, the “tenderness of patient minds” suggests that the best tribute that could be made to the dead is the calmness, patience, and understanding that could prevent war from ever happening again. Finally, the “drawing-down of blinds” is in part an image of the darkness of death. But it’s also a more literal sign of the continuation of everyday life: blinds are drawn, people go to sleep, and they wake up the next day to go on living. The image suggests that the simple existence of an everyday life would be the most authentic tribute to the dead soldiers, because it means that others are enjoying the peace for which the war was fought.

In summary, “Anthem for Doomed Youth” criticizes the usual forms of ritual and tribute used to commemorate people who have died in war. It’s not saying that these rituals don’t have their place, but rather that they're not enough in the face of war's horrors. In the second stanza, the poem presents memory, kindness, and gratitude as more fitting memorials.