EDMUND BLUNDEN’S WAR VERSES: NATURE AS THE UNSEEN VICTIM OF THE GREAT WAR

Abstract

War leaves a lasting mark not only on the lives of those directly involved but also profoundly impacts the natural environment, an aspect frequently overshadowed by the stark human tragedies. Edmund Blunden, a World War I poet, focuses on the environmental destruction caused by war. This article aims to analyse Blunden’s poems “Preparations for Victory” and “Thiepval Wood,” exploring the resonant themes of desolation and the interconnected destinies of soldiers and nature through his poetic expression. These poems provide a compelling lens to address an often-neglected aspect of warfare: its effect on the natural world. Moving beyond traditional representations where nature is merely a setting for human struggles, Blunden portrays it as a primary victim, subjected to the harsh transformations and destructions of war. Accordingly, this study illuminates how Blunden articulates nature’s suffering and alteration as fundamentally intertwined with human strife, offering a critical voice in understanding the multifaceted impacts of military conflicts.