Siegfried Sassoon
Siegfried Sassoon was an English war poet, writer, and soldier renowned for his poignant depictions of the First World War. Having served on the Western Front, he was decorated for bravery but became disillusioned with the conflict, leading him to critique the jingoism that fueled it. His poetry vividly captured the horrors of trench warfare and satirized the patriotic fervor that he believed misled society into supporting the war. Sassoon's courageous stance against the continuation of the war culminated in his 'Soldier's Declaration' in 1917, which marked him as a significant figure of dissent within the military and resulted in his hospitalization at Craiglockhart War Hospital. There, he formed a lasting friendship with fellow poet Wilfred Owen, who drew inspiration from Sassoon's work and outlook. In addition to his poetry, Sassoon gained recognition for his prose, particularly through the Sherston trilogy, a semi-autobiographical series that chronicles his experiences during the war. His literary contributions not only highlighted the grim realities faced by soldiers but also challenged the romanticized narratives of warfare prevalent at the time. Sassoon's legacy endures as a powerful voice against the brutality of war, influencing generations of writers and shaping the discourse around the experiences of soldiers in conflict.
Famous Quotes
View all 3 quotes“Suicide in the trenches: I knew a simple soldier boy Who grinned at life in empty joy, Slept soundly through the lonesome dark, And whistled early with the lark. In winter trenches, cowed and glum With crumps and lice and lack of rum, He put a bullet through his brain. No one spoke of him again. * * * * * You smug-faced crowds with kindling eye Who cheer when soldier lads march by, Sneak home and pray you'll never know The hell where youth and laughter go.”
“The fact is that five years ago I was, as near as possible, a different person to what I am tonight. I, as I am now, didn't exist at all. Will the same thing happen in the next five years? I hope so.”
“Why do you lie with your legs ungainly huddled, And one arm bent across your sullen cold Exhausted face? It hurts my heart to watch you, Deep-shadow'd from the candle's guttering gold; And you wonder why I shake you by the shoulder; Drowsy, you mumble and sigh and turn your head.... You are too young to fall asleep for ever; And when you sleep you remind me of the dead.”
Books from the author
