The Unreturning This was first begun in late 1912/early 1913 and allegorises Owen's growing unease over religious organisations, despite being a man of great faith. In particular, he was indignant at the very close-minded, bigoted form of evangelicalism practised at by the Reverend Herbert Wigan, for whom he had worked as a layman for several years. On the back of the original draft of The Unreturning, Owen had written a letter to Wigan, passionately criticising "Christian Life" which "affords no imagination, physical sensation, aesthetic ", and its "one interpretation of Life and Scheme of Living among a hundred." He continued to revisit the poem over the next 5 years and his fury at the role played by religion in wartime propaganda and societal outlooks should also be considered. However, this is not 'just' a war poem, or even 'just' a criticism of religion -- consider how people are smothered by society (political free thinkers, homosexuals, creatives and other misfits in a regimented world). Consider and explore The Unreturning from the following points of view: 1) Owen's frustrations with the Church, especially as a homosexual in an intolerant society 2) Owen's anger at the Church as an instrument of propaganda and hypocrisy during WWI 3) Owen's concerns and feelings during wartime and how he conveys the experiences of soldiers. The Unreturning Suddenly night crushed out the day and hurled Her remnants over cloud-peaks, thunder-walled. Then fell a stillness such as harks appalled When far-gone dead return upon the world. There watched I for the Dead; but no ghost woke. Each one whom Life exiled I named and called. But they were all too far, or dumbed, or thralled, And never one fared back to me or spoke. Then peered the indefinite unshapen dawn With vacant gloaming, sad as half-lit minds, The weak-limned hour when sick men's sighs are drained. And while I wondered on their being withdrawn, Gagged by the smothering Wing which none unbinds, I dreaded even a heaven with doors so chained. |