Here's how Sassoon achieves this:
* Sensory Detail: He uses precise and evocative language to appeal to the reader's senses. He describes the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of the battlefield, creating a visceral experience for the reader. For example, in "The General," he writes:
> "He's a jolly good fellow...
> He's a regular brick...
> With a heart full of passion for his King and his country..."
>
> "If you don't like it - you can get killed."
This use of direct, colloquial language helps to highlight the stark contrast between the romanticized ideals of war and the grim reality faced by the soldiers.
* Metaphor and Simile: Sassoon effectively uses metaphors and similes to compare the war experience to other things, creating powerful and evocative imagery. In "Suicide in the Trenches," he compares the soldier's death to a "wisp of smoke" and a "flutter of his hand."
* Juxtaposition: Sassoon often places contrasting images next to each other, highlighting the absurdity and horror of war. For example, in "The Hero," he contrasts the soldier's heroic actions on the battlefield with his vulnerability and fear.
* Personal Anecdote: Sassoon often uses personal anecdotes and experiences from his own time in the trenches to create deeply moving and relatable images. This personal touch adds a layer of authenticity and emotional weight to his work.
Overall, Sassoon's poetry is filled with vivid images that stay with the reader long after they have finished reading. He uses language with great skill and intention, creating a lasting impression of the horrors of war and the human cost of conflict.