Wilfred Owen is considered one of the leading poets of World War I. His works are characterized by their unflinching portrayal of the horrors of war, stark realism, and profound empathy for the soldiers who endured the trenches. Owen's poetry moved beyond patriotic fervor to expose the physical and psychological devastation inflicted on individuals by modern warfare.

Owen's style is distinguished by its use of assonance and alliteration, creating a haunting musicality that underscores the grim realities he depicts. He employed graphic imagery and unflinching descriptions to convey the brutality of war, while also exploring themes of disillusionment, loss of innocence, and the futility of conflict. His poems often employ irony and satire to critique the romanticized view of war that was prevalent in the early 20th century.

His work emerged from the context of Modernism, a literary movement that rejected traditional forms and sought to capture the fragmentation and disillusionment of the modern world. Other notable war poets who shared Owen's commitment to realism and anti-war sentiment include Siegfried Sassoon, Rupert Brooke, and Isaac Rosenberg. Owen's poetry was heavily influenced by his personal experiences in the trenches, as well as by the works of Romantic poets like John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley, whose emphasis on beauty and the fragility of life resonated with his own artistic sensibilities.

Though his life was tragically cut short, Owen left behind a legacy that continues to challenge and move readers today. His poetry serves as a powerful testament to the enduring human cost of war, reminding us of the need for peace and understanding in a world still grappling with conflict.