Delusion of Peace and Soldiers’ Plight in Selected British War Poetry

Periods of war and their aftermath bring into focus the precariousness of peace, alongside the sacrifices and commitment of soldiers. In British war poetry, the condition of soldiers has been represented through diverse lenses, warranting critical examination. From Rudyard Kipling to Wilfred Owen and Isaac Rosenberg, poets have depicted soldiers as committed to fighting for peace, protecting civilians, and safeguarding the nation. However, these soldiers often face neglect and a lack of acknowledgment after fulfilling their duties. This study adopts a new historicist perspective to analyze soldiers’ historical engagement in war for the sake of peace and the veterans’ subsequent inability to enjoy peace when they return from war. The analysis unfolds in three sections: soldiers’ commitment to fight, their marginalization as outcasts of war, and the psychological toll of their experiences. Keywords: Delusion, Peace, War, Soldier, Plight