Quote by Wilfred Owen, Anthem for Doomed
What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?- Only the monstrous anger of the guns. Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattleCan 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 eyesShall shine The holy glimmers of goodbyes. 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.
Summary
In this quote, Wilfred Owen conveys the horrors of war and the dehumanization of soldiers. He questions the importance of traditional mourning rituals for those who are killed in battle, as they are only met with the monstrous anger of weapons. Instead of candles and prayers, the soldiers find solace and farewell in the glimmers of emotion in their eyes, the tenderness of their loved ones, and the sorrowful closing of blinds at dusk. Owen's words highlight the tragedy and futility of war, emphasizing the loss of individuality and the grim reality faced by those who perish in battle.
Topics
War
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