In this episode of Beyond the Verse, the official podcast of PoemAnalysis.com and Poetry+, hosts Joe and Maiya continue their exploration of First World War poets by diving into the life and works of Wilfred Owen. They discuss his experiences as a soldier, his time recovering from shell shock at Craiglockhart War Hospital, and his mentorship under Siegfried Sassoon—key influences that shaped his raw and harrowing depictions of war. Through an analysis of his poetry, they explore how Owen rejected patriotic idealism in favor of exposing the brutal realities of the battlefield.

The episode examines Owen’s most famous works, including 'Dulce et Decorum Est' and 'Anthem for Doomed Youth,' breaking down their powerful imagery and themes of suffering, disillusionment, and the loss of innocence. Joe and Maiya contrast Owen’s stark realism with the earlier romanticized visions of war presented by poets like Rupert Brooke, emphasizing how his poetry shattered illusions about heroism and sacrifice. They also discuss Owen’s innovative use of sound, structure, and irony to convey the chaos and horror of combat.

Finally, the hosts reflect on Owen’s tragic death just days before the Armistice in 1918 and how it cemented his status as one of the most significant war poets of the 20th century. They explore his enduring impact on war literature, his influence on later poets, and the ways in which his work continues to shape our understanding of conflict, memory, and loss.

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Wilfred Owen and Changing Attitudes Towards the War (WWI Mini-Series)

Beyond the Verse