Abstract:
To study the principles and procedures employed to construct discourses on war and peace in war poetry from 5 instances of war, the First World War, the Second World War, the Vietnam War, the Balkan War, and the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001. By studying 83 pieces of poetry, the researcher has come to the conclusion that war poetry is based upon two major concepts; those of Pro-war and Anti-war sentiment. The pro-war concept is the primary discourse in war poetry reflecting the attitudes that the instigation of war is a fundamental human right. War is commonly portrayed as an activity deigned by God. It is seen as being a means whereby the common man could achieve the status of a hero, and is furthermore applauded the notion that good conquering adversity is a path towards sustained peace. The anti-war ideal is highlighted in the poetry of the modern era, which refutes the previously held ideal that it is an inherent human right to conduct war, by illustrating the negative physical and mental effects of wars. The anti-war discourse reflects modern standpoint that war has disastrous, not constructive, effects upon humanity and the total war serves only to destroy frontiers and people. The concept further argues against the notion of, "a war to end all wars". In contrast, the anti-war works suggest that peace may be ultimately achieved through humanities common revulsion over the unforgettable destructive effects of war