S.I.W.
By Wilfred Owen
I will to the King,
And offer him consolation in his trouble,
For that man there has set his teeth to die,
And being one that hates obedience,
Discipline, and orderliness of life,
I cannot mourn him.
Summary of S.I.W.
- A Poem of Bitter Irony: “S.I.W.” – a title that could be read as “Shellshocked, Imbecile, and Wounded” – is a powerful, bitterly ironic poem by Wilfred Owen, written during his service in World War I. The poem not only depicts the horrors of war but also critiques the societal structures that fuel senseless loss and the psychological toll on soldiers.
- Central Idea: At its core, “S.I.W.” challenges the conventional glorification of warfare and the patriotic narratives surrounding sacrifice. Owen presents a soldier who actively chooses death as a rebellion against the rigid discipline and dehumanizing aspects of military life. This is not a story of heroic valor but a stark portrayal of a man driven to desperation.
- Understanding the Context: The poem’s impact is heightened when understood within the historical context of World War I. The sheer scale of loss, the brutal trench warfare, and the rise of psychological trauma – often dismissed or stigmatized at the time – deeply influenced Owen’s work. “S.I.W.” is a direct response to the romanticized portrayal of war and a testament to the damage it inflicted.
In-Depth Analysis of S.I.W.
The Ironic Voice and Dramatic Situation
The poem begins with a startling declaration: “I will to the King, / And offer him consolation in his trouble.” This immediately establishes an ironic speaker – someone who intends to comfort the King despite the circumstances. The “trouble” refers to the death of a soldier, and the speaker’s lack of mourning reveals a profound disconnect between the ruling class and the reality of war. The speaker does not see death as a tragedy but as a logical outcome of the soldier’s inherent distaste for military life. As we see in the line, “And being one that hates obedience,” we understand the man’s rejection of the war system.
Exploring the Soldier’s Rebellion
The core of the poem revolves around the character of the deceased soldier. He is not presented as a hero but as a man who actively sought to escape the confines of war. The phrase “has set his teeth to die” is particularly striking. It suggests a deliberate act of defiance, a conscious decision to meet death rather than endure the horrors of the battlefield. This is not cowardice but a radical rejection of the values that war represents. Consider the line, “Discipline, and orderliness of life,” which highlights the aspects of military control the soldier despised.
The Power of Understatement and Implication
Owen masterfully employs understatement throughout the poem. He does not dwell on graphic details of violence but focuses instead on the psychological and emotional impact of war. The poem’s brevity and lack of sentimentalism amplify its power. The line, “I cannot mourn him,” is particularly impactful because of its directness and lack of emotion. It underscores the speaker’s complex and unconventional perspective, highlighting a disillusionment with conventional expressions of grief and patriotism.
Analyzing Poetic Devices
Diction and Tone
Owen’s choice of words is deliberate and precise. He avoids grandiose language and opts for a stark, almost clinical tone. Words like “trouble,” “obedience,” and “mourn” are stripped of their emotional weight, creating a sense of detachment and irony. This diction reinforces the speaker’s cynical perspective and challenges the reader’s expectations. The tone is not one of grief or lament but of detached observation.
Irony and Paradox
Irony is the central driving force of the poem. The entire premise – offering consolation to the King for the death of a soldier who wanted to die – is deeply ironic. This irony extends to the speaker’s inability to mourn, challenging conventional expectations of grief. The paradox of a man choosing death as a form of rebellion is also central to the poem’s meaning. The speaker intends to comfort someone who has caused the trouble.
Enjambment and Rhythm
The use of enjambment – the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next – creates a sense of momentum and reflects the relentless nature of war. The free verse rhythm, while not strictly adhering to any formal structure, contributes to the poem’s conversational and immediate tone. This, in combination with other literary devices, makes the poem a captivating read.
Literary Devices in Detail
| Device | Example & Explanation |
| Irony | “I will to the King, / And offer him consolation in his trouble” – The speaker offers comfort to the King, despite the King being responsible for sending soldiers to war. |
| Understatement | “I cannot mourn him” – A seemingly simple statement that carries profound weight, suggesting the speaker’s radical rejection of conventional grief. |
| Diction | The use of precise and clinical language, avoiding emotional embellishment, creates a detached and cynical tone. |
| Free Verse | The lack of a strict rhyme scheme or meter contributes to the poem’s conversational and immediate tone. |
Concluding Thoughts
“S.I.W.” is a challenging and thought-provoking poem that forces us to reconsider our understanding of war and sacrifice. Through its ironic voice, understated language, and unconventional perspective, Owen offers a scathing critique of the societal forces that perpetuate violence and dehumanization. It is a testament to his skill as a poet and a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict. This poem remains relevant today, inviting us to question the narratives surrounding war and to recognize its true cost.