Lakhasly

In Siegfried Sassoon's war poems, such as "Suicide in the Trenches" and "Does it Matter?", he effectively debunks the idealistic and romantic outlook on war by presenting a stark and brutal reality that contrasts sharply with the glorification of war often depicted in traditional literature.

"Suicide in the Trenches" is a powerful poem that exposes the devastating effect of war on young soldiers and challenges the heroic image associated with warfare. The title itself suggests a contradiction between the nobility often attributed to sacrificing oneself for a cause and the despair and hopelessness of suicide. The poem begins by painting a vivid contrast between the young boy in the trenches and the way he is perceived by those back home. The image of the boy being admired for "his suit of wise" and "smart lad" focuses on his appearance and the romanticized perception of war. However, this idealistic notion is swiftly debunked when the poem reveals the boy's reality: "He put a bullet in his brain. / No one spoke of him again." The shocking contrast between the glorified perception and the tragic outcome forcefully highlights the harsh and dehumanizing nature of war.

Similarly, in "Does it Matter?", Sassoon challenges the notion that participating in war is an honorable and valorous act. The poem discusses the physical and psychological consequences suffered by soldiers returning from war. The repetitive refrain, "Does it matter?" creates a sense of desolation and indifference, suggesting that the sacrifices made in war have no significance in the grand scheme of things. Sassoon focuses on the physical disabilities soldiers face, emphasizing how their bodies bear the painful scars of war, and questions the worth of their sacrifice. The poem concludes with a bitter yet poignant sentiment: "Life was never gay with them, for they know not how to play. / All their eyes are ice." This final verse dismantles the illusion of war as a romantic and gallant endeavor, highlighting its ability to strip young men of their humanity and joy.

In both poems, Sassoon utilizes vivid imagery and blunt language to confront the reader with the harsh realities of war, exposing the damaging effects on individuals and society. By presenting a truthful and unromanticized portrayal of war, he effectively debunks the idealistic view often associated with conflict and provides a counter-narrative to challenge the prevailing beliefs about the glory and honor of warfare.