Famous Sad Poem

Siegfried Sassoon's "The Hero" exposes the harsh realities of war hidden beneath a veil of patriotism. The poem follows a Brother Officer delivering news of a soldier's death to his mother. While the mother finds solace in the officer's comforting lies about her son's bravery, the officer himself grapples with the truth – the soldier was a coward who died a meaningless death. The poem utilizes dramatic irony, with the mother's pride contrasting the officer's internal knowledge, highlighting the disconnect between societal expectations and the brutal reality of war.

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I actually heard of a situation similar to this by a close friend in her mid 80's now regarding her brother's death in the Korean war. What was told her parents was much watered down from...

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Famous Poem

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The Hero

By Siegfried Sassoon more Siegfried Sassoon

'Jack fell as he'd have wished,' the mother said,
And folded up the letter that she'd read.
'The Colonel writes so nicely.' Something broke
In the tired voice that quavered to a choke.
She half looked up. 'We mothers are so proud
Of our dead soldiers.' Then her face was bowed.

Quietly the Brother Officer went out.
He'd told the poor old dear some gallant lies
That she would nourish all her days, no doubt
For while he coughed and mumbled, her weak eyes
Had shone with gentle triumph, brimmed with joy,
Because he'd been so brave, her glorious boy.

He thought how 'Jack', cold-footed, useless swine,
Had panicked down the trench that night the mine
Went up at Wicked Corner; how he'd tried
To get sent home, and how, at last, he died,
Blown to small bits. And no one seemed to care
Except that lonely woman with white hair.

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