1. Youthful Soldiers:
The poem opens with the phrase, "What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?," referring to the young soldiers sent to fight in the war. Owen criticizes the lack of proper mourning for these fallen soldiers and highlights their youthfulness, comparing them to cattle led to slaughter.
2. War's Destructive Impact:
The poem vividly portrays the devastating impact of war on the young soldiers' bodies and minds. Owen uses imagery such as "blood-shod", "limped on, blood-shod", "writhing", "guttering", "wriggling" to convey the physical and emotional agony endured by the soldiers.
3. Senseless Sacrifice:
Owen questions the purpose and meaning behind the sacrifices made by these young men. He emphasizes the futility of war and criticizes the authorities who send these soldiers to their deaths without considering their lives or potential.
4. Call to Remember:
The poem serves as a call to remember and honor the countless young soldiers who lost their lives in the war. Owen urges society to recognize and mourn their sacrifices, ensuring that their memories are not forgotten.
5. Anti-war Message:
"Anthem for Doomed Youth" is a powerful indictment of war and its consequences. Owen exposes the horrors and brutalities of war and seeks to raise awareness about the devastating human cost of armed conflict.
In summary, Owen's "Anthem for Doomed Youth" is a passionate and moving elegy that commemorates the young soldiers who perished in the First World War. It condemns the senselessness of war, criticizes the authorities responsible, and calls for remembrance and honoring of the fallen soldiers.