Poems: Smile, Smile, Smile
Smile, Smile, Smile is a collection of poems by Wilfred Owen, one of the most renowned poets of World War I. The poems in this collection explore the themes of war, death, and the human condition. Through his vivid imagery and powerful language, Owen conveys the horrors of war and the tragedy of its aftermath. He also examines the psychological effects of war on those who experience it, and the courage and resilience of those who survive it. The collection includes some of Owen's most famous works, such as "Dulce et Decorum Est," "Anthem for Doomed Youth," and "Futility." The poems in this collection are a testament to Owen's skill as a poet and his commitment to conveying the truth of war.
By Wilfred Owen · First published 1918 · Genre: Poetry, War Literature, Romanticism · 250 words
First lines
Head to limp head, the sunk-eyed wounded scanned Yesterday's Mail; the casualties (typed small) And (large) Vast Booty from our Latest Haul. Also, they read of Cheap Homes, not yet planned; For, said the paper, "When this war is done The men's first instinct will be making homes. Meanwhile their foremost need is aerodromes, It being certain war has just begun. Peace would do wrong to our undying dead, -- The sons we offered might regret they died If we got nothing lasting in their stead. We must be solidly indemnified. Though all be worthy Victory which all bought, We rulers sitting in this ancient spot Would wrong our very selves if we forgot The greatest glory will be theirs who fought, Who kept this nation in integrity." Nation? -- The half-limbed readers did not chafe But smiled at one another curiously Like secret men who know their secret safe. This is the thing they know and never speak, That England one by one had fled to France (Not many elsewhere now save under France). Pictures of these broad smiles appear each week, And people in whose voice real feeling rings Say: How they smile! They're happy now, poor things.
What this Textopian page supports
Poems: Smile, Smile, Smile is listed on Textopian as a poem by Wilfred Owen, dated 1918 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Wilfred Owen
- Date: 1918 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, War Literature, Romanticism, Modernism
- Length: 250 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Poems: Smile, Smile, Smile by Wilfred Owen
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Poems: Smile, Smile, Smile?
- How does this poem by Wilfred Owen fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Poems Insensibility by Wilfred Owen
- Poems Wild With All Regrets by Wilfred Owen
- Poems Futility by Wilfred Owen
- Poems The End by Wilfred Owen
- Poems Strange Meeting by Wilfred Owen
- Poems Conscious by Wilfred Owen
Genres
- Poetry — The title of the book is 'Poems: Smile, Smile, Smile' and is written by Wilfred Owen, a renowned poet.
- War Literature — Wilfred Owen was a soldier in World War I and his poetry often reflects his experiences in the war.
- Romanticism — Wilfred Owen's poetry often contains romantic themes, such as love, beauty, and nature.
- Modernism — Wilfred Owen's poetry is often considered to be a part of the modernist movement, which emphasizes the use of free verse and experimentation with form and language.
Tags
1914-1918 · 20th century · English poetry · Poetry · War poetry · World War · begun · booty · bought · broad · dead · english poetry - 20th century