Skip to content

October's bellowing anger breakes and cleavesThe bronzed…

“October's bellowing anger breakes and cleavesThe bronzed battalions of the stricken woodIn whose lament I hear a voice that grievesFor battle's fruitless harvest, and the feudOf outrage men. Their lives are like the leavesScattered in flocks of ruin, tossed and blownAlong the westering furnace…” quote by Siegfried Sassoon
Download Open image
“October's bellowing anger breakes and cleavesThe bronzed battalions of the stricken woodIn whose lament I hear a voice that grievesFor battle's fruitless harvest, and the feudOf outrage men. Their lives are like the leavesScattered in flocks of ruin, tossed and blownAlong the westering furnace flaring red.O martyred youth and manhood overthrown,The burden of your wrongs is on my head.”

Siegfried Sassoon

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The poem portrays war’s devastation, comparing soldiers to with leaves scattered by fire, emphasizing loss and collective suffering.

In simple terms: War destroys lives like leaves blown by a furnace.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the human cost of conflict.

Themes

war loss human suffering

Mood

somber reflective

Type

poetic memorial

When to use this quote

  • veteran support
  • peace activism
  • memorial services

Key Concepts

combat trauma collective grief futility of war

Questions to Reflect On

  • What can individuals do to honor those lost in war?
  • How does remembering war’s horror influence your view on peace?
A Different Perspective

The poem’s vivid imagery may not convey specific solutions to war.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Siegfried Sassoon

Explore all 65 Siegfried Sassoon quotes

More Anger quotes

Browse all 7,469 Anger quotes