“The universal pervasion of ugliness, hideous landscapes, vile noises, foul language...everything. Unnatural, broken, blasted; the distortion of the dead, whose unburiable bodies sit outside the dug outs all day, all night, the most execrable sights on earth. In poetry we call them the most glorious.”
Explore This Quote Further
Analysis of Quote by Wilfred Owen
In this quote, Wilfred Owen, a renowned poet and soldier during World War I, reflects on the horrors of war and the impact it has on humanity and nature. Owen describes the ugliness, destruction, and desolation caused by war, highlighting the contrast between the beauty of poetry and the grim reality of warfare. By juxtaposing the "execrable sights" of war with the beauty of poetry, Owen emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and documenting the atrocities of war, even amidst the chaos and darkness. This quote exemplifies Owen's powerful and poignant style of writing, showcasing his ability to find beauty in the midst of ugliness.
Modern Relevance
Wilfred Owen's powerful words about the ugliness and horrors of war still hold a chilling relevance today. In a world where violence and destruction continue to plague society, his description of the "unnatural, broken, blasted" landscapes and the inhumanity of war resonates with the ongoing conflicts and struggles we face. Owen's message serves as a reminder of the atrocities of war and the importance of striving for peace and understanding in our troubled world.
Reflection on the Horrors of War by Wilfred Owen
"The universal pervasion of ugliness, hideous landscapes, vile noises, foul language...everything. Unnatural, broken, blasted; the distortion of the dead, whose unburiable bodies sit outside the dug outs all day, all night, the most execrable sights on earth. In poetry we call them the most glorious.” - Wilfred Owen"
Reflection Questions
In Wilfred Owen's quote, he reflects on the juxtaposition of beauty and ugliness in the context of war. Consider the following questions to delve deeper into this theme:
- How does Owen's description of the ugliness of war contrast with his perspective on beauty in poetry?
- What does Owen's choice of language, such as "vile noises" and "execrable sights," convey about the horrors of war?
- How do you think the experience of witnessing such ugliness impacted Owen's poetry and his perspective on the world?
- Do you believe that there can be beauty found in the midst of such ugliness, as Owen suggests? Why or why not?
- How does Owen's quote challenge traditional notions of what is considered beautiful or poetic?
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“Bent double, like old beggars under sacks, Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge, Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs And towards our distant rest began to trudge. Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame; all blind; Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots Of disappointed shells that dropped behind. GAS! Gas! Quick, boys!-- An ecstasy of fumbling, Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time; But someone still was yelling out and stumbling And floundering like a man in fire or lime.-- Dim, through the misty panes and thick green light As under a green sea, I saw him drowning. In all my dreams, before my helpless sight, He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning. If in some smothering dreams you too could pace Behind the wagon that we flung him in, And watch the white eyes writhing in his face, His hanging face, like a devil's sick of sin; If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs, Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues,-- My friend, you would not tell with such high zest To children ardent for some desperate glory, The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est Pro patria mori.”