Lancashire Fusiliers trench, Beaumont Hamel, 1916
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Dulce et Decorum Est
This rather grisly poem by Wilfred Owen, based on his battlefield experiences in France during World War I, was written during a period of productivity from August 1917 and September 1918. The piece reflects the unbelievably harsh circumstances endured by the soldiers and was written shortly before Owen was killed in action at the edge of 25.
Owen challenges the notion by the Roman poet Horace: “It is sweet and proper to die for one’s country.”
The Poetry Foundation provides a comprehensive biography of Wilfred Owen, surveys his best works, and describes how his poems deeply affected many of the leading poets who followed him.
Narrated by David Gregory Clark.
“This book is not about heroes. English poetry is not yet fit to speak of them. Nor is it about deeds, or lands, nor anything about glory, honour, might, majesty, dominion, or power, except War. Above all I am not concerned with Poetry. My subject is War, and the pity of War. The Poetry is in the pity. ”