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.