Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Biography of Siegfried Sassoon:
Siegfried Sassoon (1886–1967) was an English poet, writer, and soldier, best known for his poignant and anti-war poetry, which emerged during and after World War I. Sassoon played a significant role in capturing the emotional toll and disillusionment of war in his works. His contribution to literature and his advocacy against the war have left a lasting impact.
Key Points in Siegfried Sassoon's Biography:
1. Early Life of Siegfried Sassoon:
Siegfried Loraine Sassoon was born on September 8, 1886, in Matfield, Kent, England, into a wealthy family.
He attended Marlborough College and later studied at Clare College, Cambridge.
2. Early Writing and Social Circles:
Sassoon developed an interest in poetry and literature from a young age. He was part of the literary and social circles that included figures like Rupert Brooke and Robert Graves.
3. Siegfried Sassoon's Military Service in World War I:
Sassoon enlisted in the British Army during World War I. He served with distinction and earned the Military Cross for bravery on the Western Front.
As the war progressed, Sassoon's views on the conflict changed, and he became increasingly disillusioned with the senseless loss of life.
4. Protest Against the War:
In 1917, Sassoon wrote a letter titled "A Soldier's Declaration," in which he openly declared his opposition to the continuation of the war. He expressed his disillusionment with the government's conduct of the conflict.
Rather than facing a court-martial, Sassoon was sent to a military hospital, where he met the influential psychiatrist W.H.R. Rivers.
5. Relationship with Wilfred Owen:
While at Craiglockhart War Hospital, Sassoon met the fellow poet Wilfred Owen. Owen was deeply influenced by Sassoon and considered him a mentor.
The friendship and literary collaboration between Sassoon and Owen are significant in the context of World War I poetry.
6. Literary Works:
Sassoon's poetry often reflected his anti-war sentiments and the trauma experienced by soldiers. Notable works include "The Old Huntsman" (1917) and "Counter-Attack and Other Poems" (1918).
His trilogy of semi-autobiographical novels, collectively known as the "Sherston Trilogy," includes "Memoirs of a Fox-Hunting Man" (1928), "Memoirs of an Infantry Officer" (1930), and "Sherston's Progress" (1936).
7. Post-War Years:
After the war, Sassoon continued to write and became a prominent literary figure. He was associated with the literary group known as the "Dymock Poets."
Sassoon's post-war works include poetry collections, autobiographical writings, and novels.
8. Siegfried Sassoon's Later Life and World War II:
During World War II, Sassoon served in various capacities, including as an instructor and an organizer of the Home Guard.
His literary output continued, and he received recognition for his contributions to literature.
9. Legacy:
Siegfried Sassoon's poetry is celebrated for its honest portrayal of the horrors of war and its impact on individuals. His anti-war stance influenced subsequent generations of poets.
The War Poets Association established the annual Sassoon Prize for poetry in his honor.
10. Death of Siegfried Sassoon:
Siegfried Sassoon passed away on September 1, 1967, at the age of 81, in Heytesbury, Wiltshire, England.
Siegfried Sassoon's enduring legacy lies in his powerful poetry that captures the emotional and psychological toll of war. His works continue to be studied and appreciated for their contribution to the literature of World War I.