While he died in 1918 during World War I, his work is considered Modernist due to its:
* Focus on the realities of war: Owen's poems are starkly honest portrayals of the physical and psychological horrors of trench warfare, a stark contrast to the romanticized depictions of earlier wars.
* Use of free verse and unconventional rhyme schemes: Owen experimented with poetic forms and language to capture the intensity and disorientation of war.
* Exploration of themes of alienation, disillusionment, and the fragility of human life: These themes were central to Modernist literature, reflecting the anxieties and uncertainties of a rapidly changing world.
It's important to note that the boundaries of literary periods are not always strict, and some critics may place Owen's work within a separate category of "war poetry." However, his overall themes, style, and the context of his writing align him closely with the Modernist movement.