Final answer:
The poem primarily emphasizes the human cost of war, with poets like Owen and Sassoon critiquing the inhumanity of battle. The poem's form and language also contribute to its meaning and theme, and the symbols within it offer a deeper interpretation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The poem emphasizes the human cost of war. It portrays inhumanity and suffering rather than celebrating heroic acts. Poets like Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon used their work to display the horrors of battle and mourning. For example, Sassoon's "Counter-Attack" describes the brutal reality of soldiers in World War I, which is representative of the poem's broader theme.
The form and language of a poem can heavily influence its meaning as well. The balanced structure of quatrains or the indentation in lines may serve to emphasize certain themes or introduce contrasts between different elements within the poem. Literary symbols, such as a loom, river, or island, carry interpretations that align with the poet's intended message, contributing to the depth and resonance of the poem's theme.
Poetry also serves as a medium for critique and reflection. Edna Jaques' poem "In Flanders Now" reflects on the toll of war while maintaining hope for the future. This reflects a commitment to preventing war and a concern for the human cost, which aligns closely with the poem's subject and the poet's intentions.