* The scale and brutality of the war: The unprecedented scale of the war, with millions of casualties and unimaginable horrors on the battlefields, created a deep need for people to understand and process the experience. Poetry, with its power to evoke emotions and explore complex themes, provided a potent outlet for this.
* The immediacy of communication: The development of modern communication technologies, such as the telegraph and newspapers, meant that news and accounts of the war reached people quickly and regularly. This immediacy fuelled a public interest in the war and its experiences, making poetry an effective way to connect with these immediate concerns.
* The rise of modernism: The early 20th century saw a rise of modernism in art and literature, characterized by a move away from traditional forms and a focus on individual experience and emotion. War poetry, with its raw and honest depictions of the battlefield, perfectly aligned with this modernist spirit.
* The role of the poets: Many of the most popular war poets, like Wilfred Owen, Rupert Brooke, and Siegfried Sassoon, were themselves soldiers who experienced the horrors of the war firsthand. Their poetry was infused with authenticity and a personal perspective that resonated deeply with the public.
* The power of the spoken word: Poetry readings and recitals became a popular way for people to connect with the war and share their experiences. This contributed to the popularity of war poetry and its lasting impact.
In addition to these factors, war poetry also served several functions:
* It offered a way for soldiers to cope with the trauma of war.
* It helped to shape public opinion and rally support for the war effort.
* It provided a means for people at home to connect with their loved ones fighting overseas.
* It offered a platform for dissent against the war and its atrocities.
Overall, the combination of these factors explains the immense popularity of war poetry in World War I. It served as a powerful medium for understanding, processing, and expressing the profound human experience of war.