Death and Conflict in 'Futility' and 'Mametz Wood'

The poems 'Futility' by Wilfred Owen and 'Mametz Wood' by Owen Sheers both delve into the profound and somber themes of death on the battlefield, exploring the sense of despair and the futility of life and creation in the face of such tragedy. These works of poetry provide poignant insights into the emotional and rational responses to the horrors of war and the enduring impact it has on human lives.

Futility by Wilfred Owen

Wilfred Owen's 'Futility' opens with a sense of ambiguity, drawing the reader into the uncertain and chaotic atmosphere of the battlefield.

This deliberate vagueness serves to emphasize the immediacy of the experience and the emotional turmoil of the speaker. The reader is compelled to decipher the speaker's internal and external struggle, unraveling the layers of meaning within the poem.

The poem begins with a commanding imperative, "Move him into the sun-" (line 1), as the speaker addresses those around him. However, this address shifts abruptly, marked by a cesura at the end of the line, indicating a transition to the speaker's internal monologue.

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This shift in addressees foreshadows the dual levels of discourse that persist throughout the poem. The imperative verb 'Move' represents the rational aspect, while the emotional language that follows in the subsequent stanzas captures the overwhelming emotional response to the situation.

The deliberate pacing and rhythm of 'Futility' contribute to its reflective and mournful tone. Commas and cesuras are strategically placed to slow down the reader's progress through the poem, intensifying the sense of grieving that permeates the verses.

The central figure in 'Futility' remains nameless, referred to only as 'him.' This anonymity symbolizes the loss of identity experienced by countless soldiers left unburied on the battlefield. The repeated mention of the 'sun' as a life-giving force may also allude to a higher power, as seen in line 12, "Was it for this clay grew tall?" This reference draws parallels with biblical narratives of humanity's creation from the earth, signifying the profound questions raised by the speaker about the purpose of life and creation in the face of such senseless death.

The poignant phrase "whispering of fields unsown" evokes the untapped potential of a young life tragically cut short. It underscores the harsh reality that this soldier will never return to the comfort and fulfillment of home, as his life has been prematurely extinguished in a meaningless conflict. This reflects Wilfred Owen's own stance on the futility of war and the immense human cost it exacts.

Mametz Wood by Owen Sheers

Owen Sheers' 'Mametz Wood' explores a similarly grim subject matter, recounting the discovery of soldiers' remains from the Battle of the Somme by farmers preparing their fields for planting. This poem, like 'Futility,' reflects on the loss of young lives and the haunting consequences of war.

The language employed in 'Mametz Wood' reveres the soldiers and focuses on their profound sacrifice rather than dwelling on the details of battle. The word 'wasted' in line 2 conveys a sense of tragic loss, implying that these soldiers should not have met such a fate. This sentiment aligns with Wilfred Owen's perspective on war as futile and pointless.

Furthermore, the mention of body parts such as "a chit of bone, the china plate of a shoulder blade, the relic of a finger" in lines 4 and 5 serves as poignant memories of the fallen soldiers. These fragments carry deep significance, underscoring the enduring impact of their sacrifice. The use of metaphorical language, such as "a wound working a foreign body to the surface to the skin" in line 12, paints vivid imagery in the reader's mind, heightening the emotional resonance of the poem.

'Mametz Wood' is distinct from 'Futility' in its temporal setting, as it occurs years after the war's end when the remains of soldiers are discovered rather than depicting the actual battlefield. This shift in perspective highlights the enduring trauma and legacy of war, reminding us that the consequences of conflict persist long after the guns fall silent.

Conclusion

Both 'Futility' and 'Mametz Wood' tackle the sobering subject of war with a shared attitude of reverence for the fallen and a belief in the futility of unnecessary death. The emotive language employed in both poems conveys a deep sense of respect and contemplation. It is evident that these poems have been crafted with meticulous care and consideration, reflecting the poets' profound thoughts on the tragic consequences of conflict.

In conclusion, 'Futility' by Wilfred Owen and 'Mametz Wood' by Owen Sheers are powerful poems that delve into the emotional and rational responses to death on the battlefield. They emphasize the futility of war and the profound loss of young lives, while also highlighting the enduring impact of such conflicts on the human psyche. Through their evocative language and poignant imagery, these poems serve as enduring reminders of the cost of war and the need for reflection on its devastating consequences.