Why has Barker included this discussion on Poetry, between Owen and Sassoon?

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Claire Maynard

02 May 2007

Chapter 11

Why has Barker included this discussion on Poetry, between Owen and Sassoon?

Poetry is a theme, which is used throughout the novel to create a more realistic portrait of life and feeling, rather than Barkers own expressions. This way characters can also reveal more of their personality, and get a chance to speak for their selves.

        

        

                                             

Captain Arthur Brock was a doctor who employed 'ergotherapy' or connecting shell-shocked soldiers back to reality, by the use of work. Brock recommended to Owen that he should write poetry to assist in his recovery, which he did in ample amounts. Owen became the contributing editor of the hospital magazine 'The Hydra’ (above). Owen introduced himself to Sassoon, on the pretext of being an, ‘aspiring poet'. Sassoon both praised and criticised Owen's poetry, but more importantly, he encouraged Owen to write about the war. Writing about his war experiences did not come easily to Owen. He had vivid nightmares and struggled with many of his images and issues. Initially, he imitated Sassoon's style, but quickly abandoned it for a ‘voice’ of his own.

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“…he’s a gold medallist …and I left Cambridge without taking a degree. And now and again it shows ”  

Owen doubts his ability compared to Rivers. This could be one reason why he hasn’t developed his poetry further as of yet.

“ the way back to health is to re-establish the link between oneself and the earth …”

‘Ergotherapy’ making patients work to take their mind from the war, through work, and in Owens case, through poetry.

“that’s in your style” (Owen)

Owen shows Sassoon how much he idolises Sassoon, by ...

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