Enjoyed a Wilfred Owen Workshop yesterday, exploring the prescribed HSC poems. Discussion highlighted the continuing conceptual relevance despite changing context as echoed in the following BBC remembrance news clip. Dehumanisation and the overwhelming 'pity' of war are subjects that are examined in powerfully distinctive ways. Making use of different poetic forms, techniques and style, he acerbically condems and satirises the preparation, waging and consequences of unprecedented slaughter. Poetry becomes his vehicle for exposing the propagandist falsehoods and awakening social conscience and outcry.
For workshop participants, additional resources and the email list can be obtained by sending me an email for access details to the Owen website.
While there are many, many 'readings' of Owen's verse, the following is one of my favourites.
