Question
How does Siegried Sassoon capture the horror of the troops caught in the middle of a brutal war in his poem ‘Attack’? Answer by referring to poetic devices used.
Answer
Siegfried Sassoon’s poem “Attack” vividly captures the horror experienced by troops during World War I through the use of various poetic devices. These devices effectively convey the chaos, fear, and brutality of war.
Poetic Devices in “Attack”
Imagery: Sassoon employs stark and vivid imagery to depict the battlefield’s grim reality. The use of descriptive language paints a picture of the soldiers’ dire situation, immersing the reader in the scene’s horror and chaos (Kousar, Sarfraz and Qasim, 2015; Jana, 2015).
Irony and Sarcasm: Sassoon uses irony to highlight the contrast between the glorified perception of war and its brutal reality. This technique underscores the futility and hopelessness experienced by soldiers, challenging the myth of war heroism (Jana, 2015; Li-Li, 2008).
Symbolism: The poem uses symbols to represent broader themes of fear and death. For instance, the dawn, typically a symbol of hope, is depicted as ominous, reflecting the soldiers’ dread and the impending violence (Kousar, Sarfraz and Qasim, 2015; Saks, 2007).
Tone and Mood: The tone of the poem is somber and foreboding, creating a mood of anxiety and despair. Sassoon’s choice of words and rhythm contributes to a sense of urgency and impending doom, mirroring the soldiers’ psychological strain (Saks, 2007; Li-Li, 2008).
Contrast: Sassoon contrasts the soldiers’ horrific experiences with the calmness of civilian life, emphasizing the disconnect and isolation felt by those on the front lines. This contrast serves to deepen the reader’s understanding of the soldiers’ plight (Kousar, Sarfraz and Qasim, 2015; Saks, 2007).
Conclusion
Siegfried Sassoon’s “Attack” uses powerful imagery, irony, symbolism, and contrast to convey the horror and futility of war. These poetic devices effectively immerse the reader in the soldiers’ traumatic experiences, challenging romanticized notions of war and highlighting its brutal reality.
References
Kousar, R., Sarfraz, N., & Qasim, K., 2015. Abstraction and Artistic Volition: Expressionist Reflection on Siegfried Sassoon’s Select War Poems: Attack, Glory of Women, Counter-Attack, Expression of War experiences, and Dreamers. **, 15, pp. 152.
Jana, A., 2015. Siegfried Sassoon The Iconoclast. International Journal of Research, 2, pp. 1227-1229.
Saks, P., 2007. Aftermath: the implicit processes of integrating traumatic experience in the poetry of Siegfried Sassoon.. The journal of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis and Dynamic Psychiatry, 35 4, pp. 591-604. https://doi.org/10.1521/JAAP.2007.35.4.591
Li-Li, W., 2008. Themes of Siegfried Sassoon’s War Poems. Journal of Linyi Normal University.
