The theme of inhumane destruction and the disapproval of war is reflected in the structure and form of the "Anthem of Doomed Youth". The poem is similar to the Shakespearian and Petrarchan sonnet, except for the rhyming scheme of "EFFE" instead of the original "EFEF". By doing so, he introduces irony to the poem as Shakespearian sonnets are often about love, but Owen's poem expresses his disapproving hatred for war.
The poet creates several images throughout his poem to highlight the theme. By drawing a metaphor between young soldiers and cattle, in line 1 "die as cattle", Owen once more emphasizes the inhumane way these solders are killed. He introduces the death imagery that these soldiers are nothing more than meat for consumption, as if they are just animals being slaughter at the slaughter house. Aside from painting the scene of youths at war, he also creates an image of a church, where funerals are supposedly held. Throughout the poem, Owen uses diction like "choirs", "candles", "holy glimmers" and "pall" to signify as the objects that the soldier's funerals lack. Those are all objects that can found inside a church, especially during a funeral. By not having these basic, essential objects of a funeral, the poet is once more reenforcing that their sacrifice in war is unappreciated and inhumane.
Owen also uses figurative devices like personification to support the theme of senseless destruction. He personifies guns in line 2 "monstrous anger" as an angry monster who are inhumane and causes massive mindless destruction. In addition, in line 4 "patter out their hasty orisons" implies that when the guns are repeatedly shot at a consistent pace, suggesting that the shooting of the guns is a mindless routine. This light tapping of gun shots seems to be the only sound sending these soldiers off, suggesting that this is the closest thing they have to prayer. In line 8, "bugles calling for them" represents the voices of family members who would normally cry and mourn. However, since family members have not yet received this devastating news yet, the sound of bugles, an military instrument that gives out commands, acts as the calling of these youth's loved ones.
The poet uses various sound devices to reenforce the destruction of weapons. In line 3,"stuttering rifles' rapid rattle" Owen uses alliteration with onomatopoeia to emphasize the harsh noises that the weapons delivery. This sound is very contrasting from the church bells one would receive during their funerals. This is all the soldiers receive after their sacrifice, no proper funerals, no prayers, just a couple of bullets firing at them. The theme of unappreciated sacrifice is evident as these soldiers are being sent off in an apathetic manner.
Hence through the title and unique form, through death imagery and church imagery of improper treatment, through personifications and sound devices of artillery, Owen was able to effectively convey the theme of absurd massacre and disrespected dedication. This poem also alters reader's entire perspective on war, and those who fight it.
Anthem For Doomed Youth
What passing-bells for these who die as cattle? Only the monstrous anger of the guns. Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle Can patter out their hasty orisons. No mockeries now for them; no prayers nor bells; Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs, The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells; And bugles calling for them from sad shires. What candles may be held to speed them all? Not in the hands of boys, but in their eyes Shall shine the holy glimmers of good-byes. The pallor of girls' brows shall be their pall; Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds, And each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds.
Wilfred Owen
English Commentary:
Anthem for Doomed Youth by Wilfred Owen
Rachel Poon
Dr. Kowalcyzk
ENG2D7
April 9, 2012