Wilfred Owen was born on March 18, 1893, in England. He was the eldest of four children born to Thomas and Harriet Susan Owen. Growing up, Owen displayed an early interest in literature and poetry. He attended University College, Reading, where he took classes in Old English and botany.
Owen's writing career began to take off during World War I. Inspired by his experiences as a soldier in the war, he began writing poetry that captured the brutal realities of battle. Some of his most famous works include "Dulce et Decorum Est" and "Anthem for Doomed Youth." These poems, along with many others, were published after his death.
Owen had a close friendship with fellow author Siegfried Sassoon. The two poets shared a mutual admiration for each other's work and often provided support and feedback on each other's writing. Their friendship had a significant impact on Owen's poetry, influencing the themes and style of his work.
Tragically, Owen's life was cut short when he was killed in combat in France in 1918. His death came just one week before the Armistice was signed, ending World War I. Despite his short life, Owen left behind a powerful legacy through his poetry, which continues to be studied and revered to this day.
Wilfred Owen is remembered as one of the greatest war poets of his generation. His poems provide a stark and unflinching portrayal of the horrors of war, capturing the physical and psychological toll it takes on individuals. Owen's work has had a lasting impact on the way we think about war and its consequences, shedding light on the realities that soldiers face on the front lines.