SOURCE: "The Very Seared Conscience," in Wilfred Owen: A Critical Study, Chatto & Windus, 1960, pp. 84-103.

In the following excerpt from his book-length critical study, Welland examines the conflict between patriotism and Christianity in Owen's poetry.

In all Owen's writing no phrase is more revelatory than his description of himself as "a conscientious objector with a very seared conscience," which occurs in the important letter where he records poignantly his realisation that "pure Christianity will not fit in with pure patriotism." [In his earliest poetry we see] an uneasiness over religious belief finding expression in a somewhat derivative idiom that detracts from its spontaneity, but of the intensity of the spiritual crisis into which his participation in the war plunged him there can be no doubt. [A] sense of guilt and of divided responsibility [can be found] in "Mental Cases," "Spring Offensive," and elsewhere…. [The writer] in every instance...