An examination of how World War I poetry changed as the war developed through a review of William Butler Yeats' poem "An Irish Airman Foresees His Death" and Wilfred Owens' "Anthem for a Doomed Youth".
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 4 sources, 2002, $ 44.95
Abstract This paper examines the poetry of World War One and how it changed as the war dragged on. The author notes the optimism and patriotism of the prewar years, and compares it to the poetry of the war's last days, which spoke only of disillusionment, hopelessness, betrayal, and despair. William Butler Yeats' poem, "An Irish Airman Foresees His Death" and Wilfred Owens' haunting "Anthem for a Doomed Youth" are emphasized, for they reflected the horror and futility of war, and spoke for the millions of young soldiers who had rejected the mindless patriotism of 1914 and had come to understand the hellish reality of inevitable death in battle.
Abstract This paper describes and compares the form, style, poetic techniques, and effectiveness of four poems. The poems, Hopkins's "As Kingfishers Catch Fire, Dragonflies Draw Flame" and "Carrion Comfort" , and Yeats's "An Irish Airman Foresees his Death" and "Sailing to Byzantium", are considered in detail, and their strengths and weaknesses are described. In addition, the poems are rated as either effective or ineffective.
From the Paper "This first line describes a strong wind removing the chaff from the wheat, so the grain can be seen. This represents how the suffering may have been positive, in that it pushed away the outer layer to reveal the poet's good character. The poet then asks who he should cheer. First, he wonders if he should cheer God when God has made him suffer. Then he wonders if he should cheer himself for enduring. The poet does not find an answer to this question, with the poem ending with him still wondering whether he can thank God for making him suffer. Considering that the entire poem is a narrative of the poet's journey out of depression, there is a suggestion that at some point later in time the poet will resolve this issue and manage to look back thankfully on what has happened. Overall then, this is a poem that offers hope."
Abstract The paper describes the experiences of Black Eagle 'Chappie' James, Jr., an African-American who served in the military. The paper discusses James' unique role as a prominent black spokesperson for the military and his earning of four stars in the service. The paper discusses the inspiration James received from his mother and talks about the defining moment of James' career when he was the commander of the American airbase located in Libya in 1967. The paper concludes that perhaps James' greatest legacy is to the African-American men and women who serve in the armed forces today.
From the Paper "Today, the proud presence of African-Americans in the armed forces is taken for granted. In the current Bush Administration, two African-Americans have already served as Secretary of State. But in the early days of Black Eagle 'Chappie' James, Jr., things were very different for African-Americans who served in the military. Blacks were still required to serve in the armed forces like their white counterparts because of the draft, but they had to do so in specialized units. At this time, they also did not have the same opportunities for education or advancement within the service. The all-black units of the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II were the notable exception to such limitations. Despite the fact that their unit was the product of segregation, the airmen distinguished themselves throughout the war. Amongst their number, Daniel 'Chappie' James Jr. received the formative education that would stay with him for throughout his life in the American arms service."
Tags: African-Americans, airman, patriotism, civil, rights
