EDMUND BLUNDEN’S WAR VERSES: NATURE AS THE UNSEEN VICTIM OF THE GREAT WAR

War leaves a lasting mark not only on the lives of those directly involved but also on the natural environment profoundly, an aspect frequently overshadowed by the stark human tragedies. Edmund Blunden, a World War I poet, focuses on the environmental destruction caused by war. This article aims to analyse Blunden’s poems “Preparations for Victory” and “Thiepval Wood,” exploring the themes of desolation and the interconnected destinies of soldiers and nature through his resonant poetic expression. These poems provide a compelling lens to view an often-neglected aspect of warring: its effect on the natural world. Moving beyond traditional representations where nature is merely a setting for human struggles, Blunden portrays it as a primary victim, subjected to the harsh transformations and devastation of war. Accordingly, this study illuminates how Blunden articulates nature’s suffering and alteration fundamentally intertwined with human strife, offering a critical voice in understanding the multifaceted impacts of military conflicts.