The World Wars embodied : the body in the poetry of Wilfred Owen and Keith Douglas

Abstract

This thesis explores the way the human body is represented in the works of two English World War poets: Wilfred Owen (1893–1918) and Keith Douglas (1920–1944). In particular, the aim of this paper is to explore differences and similarities in the ways in which these poets approach this subject matter, and also how for instance the cultural and historical background, military technology etc. of each war are represented in connection with the subject of the human body. This analysis is carried out through a close reading of a selection of these poets’ works. It also draws from existing research into the poets and their works.