1. Early Poems: Owen's early poems, written before the war, often displayed a romantic and idealistic tone. They focused on themes of nature, love, and personal emotions.
2. War Poetry: As Owen enlisted in the British Army and experienced the horrors of trench warfare, his poetry took a dramatic shift. He began writing powerful and poignant war poems that confronted the realities of war, depicting its brutality, suffering, and futility.
3. Use of Imagery and Symbolism: Owen's war poetry is marked by vivid imagery and the use of symbols. He employed sensory details to evoke strong emotions and create a visceral experience for readers.
4. Anti-war Sentiments: Owen's poetry became increasingly anti-war as he witnessed the devastation caused by the conflict. He expressed his opposition to the glorification of war and highlighted its destructive impact on soldiers' lives.
5. Expression of Compassion and Empathy: Owen's poetry demonstrated deep compassion and empathy for his fellow soldiers. He wrote about the psychological toll of war on soldiers, their camaraderie, and the loss of humanity in the face of conflict.
6. Maturation of Style: As Owen's experiences in the war intensified, his poetic style matured. His language became more concise, and his poems more powerful and poignant. He experimented with different poetic forms and techniques, including free verse and rhyme.
7. Posthumous Publication: Many of Owen's most well-known poems were published posthumously, after his death in 1918. His collection "Poems" was released in 1920 and had a profound impact on war poetry and literature in general.
Overall, Wilfred Owen's poetry transformed from romantic and idealistic early works to powerful and deeply moving war poems that reflected his firsthand experiences and condemned the horrors of war. His poetic evolution showcases his remarkable talent, sensitivity, and commitment to conveying the truth about the human cost of war.