'On Seeing a Piece of Our Heavy Artillery Brought into Action' by Wilfred Owen


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Be slowly lifted up, thou long black arm,
Great Gun towering towards Heaven, about to curse;
Sway steep against them, and for years rehearse
Huge imprecations like a blasting charm!
Reach at that Arrogance which needs thy harm,
And beat it down before its sins grow worse.
Spend our resentment, cannon, -- yea, disburse
Our gold in shapes of flame, our breaths in storm.

Yet, for men's sakes whom thy vast malison
Must wither innocent of enmity,
Be not withdrawn, dark arm, thy spoilure done,
Safe to the bosom of our prosperity.
But when thy spell be cast complete and whole,
May God curse thee, and cut thee from our soul!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Wilfred Owen's "On Seeing a Piece of Our Heavy Artillery Brought into Action": A Critical Interpretation

Wilfred Owen is often referred to as one of the greatest war poets of all time. His works, especially those related to the First World War, are known for their raw and haunting portrayal of the realities of war. "On Seeing a Piece of Our Heavy Artillery Brought into Action" is one of his most famous poems, and it captures the essence of Owen's style and his approach to war poetry.

The poem

The poem is a reflection on the use of heavy artillery in warfare. Owen describes the scene of a heavy artillery piece being brought into action. He talks about the sheer power of the gun, and how it is capable of destroying anything in its path. He also describes the noise and the chaos that come with the use of such a weapon.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with its own distinct idea. The first stanza describes the scene of the artillery piece being brought into action. The second stanza talks about the power of the gun, and the destruction it is capable of causing. The third stanza talks about the noise and the chaos that come with the use of such a weapon.

The interpretation

The poem is a powerful commentary on the destructive nature of war. Owen uses the heavy artillery piece as a metaphor for the destructive power of war. He talks about how the gun is capable of destroying anything in its path, and how it can bring chaos and destruction to the battlefield.

The poem is also a reflection on the futility of war. Owen talks about how the use of heavy artillery is ultimately pointless, as it only leads to destruction and death. He describes how the gun is fired into the darkness, and how it is impossible to see the effects of its destruction. This is a powerful metaphor for the senselessness of war, and how it can lead to destruction without any real purpose.

The poem is also a reflection on the horror of war. Owen describes the noise and chaos that come with the use of heavy artillery. He talks about the sound of the gun, and how it echoes through the battlefield. He also talks about the chaos that comes with the use of such a weapon, and how it can lead to confusion and death.

Overall, the poem is a powerful commentary on the destructive nature of war. Owen uses the heavy artillery piece as a metaphor for the senselessness and horror of war. His use of language and imagery creates a vivid picture of the destruction and chaos that come with the use of such a weapon. The poem is a powerful reminder of the horrors of war, and the need for peace and understanding in the world.

The impact

"On Seeing a Piece of Our Heavy Artillery Brought into Action" was published posthumously, after Owen's death in 1918. It has since become one of his most famous and iconic works. The poem has been studied and analyzed by scholars and students alike, and it continues to be a powerful reminder of the horrors of war.

The poem has also had a cultural impact, inspiring other artists and writers to create works that reflect on the destructive nature of war. Owen's poetry has influenced countless other poets and writers, and his legacy continues to live on today.

Conclusion

"On Seeing a Piece of Our Heavy Artillery Brought into Action" is a powerful and haunting poem that captures the essence of Wilfred Owen's style and approach to war poetry. His use of language and imagery creates a vivid picture of the destruction and chaos that come with the use of heavy artillery. The poem is a powerful commentary on the destructive nature of war, and it serves as a reminder of the need for peace and understanding in the world.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry On Seeing a Piece of Our Heavy Artillery Brought into Action: An Analysis

Wilfred Owen, one of the most celebrated poets of the First World War, wrote "Poetry On Seeing a Piece of Our Heavy Artillery Brought into Action" in 1917. The poem is a reflection on the horrors of war and the devastating impact it has on human life. In this article, we will analyze the poem and explore its themes, imagery, and language.

Themes

The central theme of the poem is the destructive power of war. Owen portrays the artillery as a monstrous and terrifying force that wreaks havoc on the battlefield. He describes the gun as "grim and gigantic," and its firing as "a monstrous anger." The poem highlights the dehumanizing effects of war, as the soldiers become mere cogs in a machine, operating the artillery with cold efficiency.

Another theme that emerges in the poem is the futility of war. Owen suggests that the violence and destruction of war serve no purpose, as the soldiers are merely "cogs" in a larger machine, and their efforts are ultimately futile. The poem suggests that the true cost of war is not just the loss of life, but the loss of humanity and the destruction of the natural world.

Imagery

Owen's use of imagery in the poem is powerful and evocative. He uses vivid descriptions to convey the horror and brutality of war. The gun is described as "grim and gigantic," and its firing is compared to "a monstrous anger." The soldiers are depicted as "grimy" and "sweating," their faces "blackened with smoke." These images create a sense of chaos and violence, and convey the sense of fear and terror that the soldiers must have felt on the battlefield.

Owen also uses natural imagery to contrast with the violence of war. He describes the "green fields" and "blue sky" that surround the battlefield, creating a sense of beauty and tranquility. This contrast highlights the senseless destruction of war, as the natural world is destroyed by human conflict.

Language

Owen's use of language in the poem is both powerful and poetic. He uses a range of literary devices to convey his message, including alliteration, metaphor, and personification. For example, he describes the gun as "grim and gigantic," using alliteration to create a sense of foreboding. He also personifies the gun, describing its firing as "a monstrous anger," creating a sense of malevolence and violence.

Owen also uses metaphor to convey the sense of futility and hopelessness that pervades the poem. He describes the soldiers as "cogs" in a machine, suggesting that they are powerless and insignificant in the face of the larger forces at work. This metaphor highlights the sense of despair and hopelessness that the soldiers must have felt, as they were caught up in a conflict that they could not control.

Conclusion

"Poetry On Seeing a Piece of Our Heavy Artillery Brought into Action" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the horror and futility of war. Owen's use of imagery and language creates a vivid and haunting portrait of the battlefield, and his themes of destruction and futility resonate with readers to this day. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the human experience, and to convey the emotions and experiences of those who have lived through war.

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