In this episode of Beyond the Verse, the official podcast of PoemAnalysis.com and Poetry+, hosts Joe and Maiya conclude their mini-series on the poets of the First World War with an in-depth exploration of Siegfried Sassoon. They discuss his privileged early life, his pre-war poetry as a Georgian Romantic, and his transformation into one of the most outspoken critics of the war. The episode delves into Sassoon’s military service, his wartime bravery, and the pivotal moment when he publicly denounced the war in his 1917 'Soldier’s Declaration.'

Through an analysis of Sassoon’s poetry, Joe and Maiya examine how his work evolved from patriotic beginnings to biting satire and scathing critiques of political leadership. They discuss key poems like 'Suicide in the Trenches' and 'Counter-Attack,' highlighting Sassoon’s stark portrayal of disillusionment, the psychological toll of combat, and his use of structure and sound to intensify the horrors of war. The hosts also explore how Sassoon’s influence extended beyond his own poetry, shaping the legacy of Wilfred Owen through their friendship at Craiglockhart War Hospital.

Finally, the episode reflects on Sassoon’s post-war years, his shifting perspectives, and his role in shaping modern understandings of war literature. Joe and Maiya discuss his influence on later poets, the timeless relevance of his anti-war stance, and the ways in which his poetry continues to resonate in contemporary discussions on conflict and memory.

Poetry+ users can get exclusive access to analysis, content, and PDFs, including the following that relates to this episode:

As always, for the ultimate poetry experience, join Poetry+ and explore all things poetry at PoemAnalysis.com.

Reflecting on the War Years with Siegfried Sassoon (WWI Mini-Series)

Beyond the Verse