NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF

MODERN LANGUAGES

MINOR ASSIGNMENT
CLASS: BSENG VI-A (Afternoon)
DATE: March 16th, 2024
COURSE: Modern Poetry

SUBJECT: Comparative Analysis of

War Poem Themes

SUBMITTED BY
Hania Nadeem
FA21711

SUBMITTED TO
Dr. Sibghatullah Khan
Introduction:
The genre of war poetry has long been a medium for poets to convey the horrors,
heroism, and complexities of armed conflict. From Alfred Lord Tennyson's "Charge of the
Light Brigade" in the mid-19th century to the war poetry of the 20th century, themes of valor,
sacrifice, and the futility of war have been explored in diverse ways.
Tennyson's "Charge of the Light Brigade" (1854):
Summary of the Poem: A narrative poem that commemorates the disastrous charge
of the British light cavalry against Russian forces during the Battle of Balaclava in the
Crimean War (1853-1856). The poem vividly describes the bravery and loyalty of the soldiers
who valiantly followed orders despite facing overwhelming odds. Tennyson's stirring verses
emphasize themes of duty, honor, and sacrifice, immortalizing the courage of the soldiers
who charged "into the valley of Death." The poem highlights the tragic consequences of
military miscommunication and the sacrifices made by soldiers in the face of adversity.
Themes Explored:
 Heroism and Sacrifice: The poem celebrates the bravery and loyalty of the soldiers
who charged into battle despite knowing the risks. It portrays their selflessness and
willingness to follow orders, even if it meant facing certain death.
 Patriotism and Duty: Tennyson emphasizes the soldiers' sense of duty and loyalty to
their country. The poem glorifies the idea of serving one's nation and highlights the
importance of obedience and honor in military service.
 Tragedy and Loss: Despite the valor displayed by the soldiers, the poem also
underscores the tragic consequences of war. The futility of the charge and the
unnecessary loss of lives are central themes, serving as a reminder of the human cost
of conflict.
Wilfred Owen’s "Anthem for Doomed Youth" (1917):
Summary of the Poem: a poignant poem by Wilfred Owen, written during World
War I. It laments the tragedy and waste of young lives lost in the war. The poem contrasts the
idealized image of a traditional funeral service with the grim reality of war, where soldiers
die in battle without the dignity and ceremony afforded to them in civilian life. Owen uses
powerful imagery to convey the horrors of war, such as the "stuttering rifles' rapid rattle" and
the "wailing shells." The poem mourns the loss of young men who are "doomed" to die on
the battlefield, without proper recognition or remembrance. It reflects Owen's anti-war
sentiments and his belief in the need to confront the brutal realities of conflict.
 Themes Explored:
 Irony of War: Owen portrays the irony of war, highlighting how it destroys youth
and innocence instead of glorifying heroism. The poem contrasts the traditional
imagery associated with war and the harsh realities faced by soldiers on the battlefield.
 Loss and Grief: The poem conveys the profound sense of loss and grief experienced
by those left behind. It reflects on the futile deaths of young soldiers and the
devastating impact it has on their families and communities.
 Dehumanization: Owen critiques the dehumanizing nature of war, depicting soldiers
as mere "cattle" sent to slaughter. He exposes the brutal and senseless violence that
strips individuals of their humanity and reduces them to casualties of war.
Laurence Binyon’s "For the Fallen" (1914):
Summary of the Poem: The poem, written by Laurence Binyon in 1914 during
World War I, pays tribute to those who died in the conflict, particularly focusing on the
soldiers who sacrificed their lives. It highlights their bravery, honor, and enduring impact.
The famous fourth stanza immortalizes the fallen, stating that they will not age nor be
forgotten, with the solemn promise that they will always be remembered, especially during
ceremonies and memorials honoring their sacrifice.
Themes Explored:
 Remembrance and Honor: Binyon's poem serves as a tribute to fallen soldiers,
emphasizing the importance of remembering their sacrifice. It honors their bravery
and valor, ensuring that their deeds are not forgotten.
 Nostalgia and Mourning: The poem evokes a sense of nostalgia for the lives lost in
battle, capturing the solemnity of remembrance ceremonies. It mourns the passing of
a generation and reflects on the profound impact of war on society.
 Continuation of Legacy: Binyon suggests that the memory of the fallen will live on
through future generations. The poem encourages a sense of duty to carry on their
legacy and to strive for peace to prevent further loss and suffering.
Comparative Analysis:
1. Representation of War:
 Tennyson's poem portrays war as a valiant but tragic endeavor, focusing on the
bravery and sacrifice of soldiers despite the futile nature of their charge.
 Owen's poem presents war as a brutal and senseless conflict, stripping away any
romantic notions and emphasizing it’s ironic and dehumanizing aspects.
 Binyon's poem views war through a lens of remembrance and honor, emphasizing the
need to honor the sacrifices made by fallen soldiers and to ensure their memory
endures.
2. Treatment of Sacrifice and Loss:
 Tennyson and Owen both acknowledge the sacrifice of soldiers, but Tennyson's
portrayal is more celebratory, highlighting their heroism despite the tragic outcome,
while Owen's depiction is somber, focusing on the loss of young lives and the
devastation it brings.
 Binyon's poem echoes the sentiment of sacrifice but places greater emphasis on
remembrance and honoring the fallen, emphasizing the duty to ensure their memory
lives on.
3. Critique of War:
 Owen's poem stands out in its explicit critique of war, exposing its brutal realities and
condemning the dehumanization of soldiers.
 Tennyson's poem, while acknowledging the tragedy of war, does not explicitly
criticize it but rather presents a narrative of bravery and duty.
 Binyon's poem, although solemn in tone, does not overtly criticize war either; instead,
it focuses on the importance of honoring the fallen and continuing their legacy.
4. Representation of Youth:
 Owen's poem specifically focuses on the youthfulness of the soldiers, highlighting the
tragic loss of young lives and the destruction of innocence.
 Tennyson's poem also features young soldiers, but their youth is not as central to the
narrative as in Owen's poem.
 Binyon's poem does not explicitly focus on the youthfulness of the fallen soldiers but
rather on their valor and the impact of their loss on society as a whole.
5. Tone and Mood:
 Owen's poem carries a tone of bitterness and disillusionment, portraying the grim
reality of war without any semblance of romanticism.
 Tennyson's poem is more celebratory and patriotic in tone, despite its
acknowledgment of the tragic outcome of the charge.
 Binyon's poem strikes a solemn and reverent tone, emphasizing remembrance and
honoring the fallen with dignity and respect.
Conclusion:
In the rich tapestry of war poetry spanning centuries, Tennyson's valorous portrayal,
Owen's stark condemnation, and Binyon's solemn tribute converge to offer a multifaceted
reflection on the human experience amidst conflict. Through celebration, condemnation, and
remembrance, these poets navigate the complexities of sacrifice, loss, and the enduring legacy
of those who bravely faced the horrors of war. In their verses, we find not only the echoes of
past battles but also a timeless call to honor the fallen, confront the realities of conflict, and
strive for a future where the ultimate sacrifice is not in vain.