Would you say Trench warfare during WW1 was 'boring' or in a state of paralysis at certain times?

Question

Well, I'm studying and writing about Wilfred Owen's work "Exposure" and after each stanza is a repetitive phrase "But nothing happens". Now I know this probably is not the case of all trench warfare, but does he say thus to show how boring and that trench warfare (in the certain situation) was in almost a state of paralysis, as the men are exchanging fire, but nothing is happening, hence the term "paralysis", the men are dying in the trenches also; from 'exposure' i.e. hypothermia, warfare related wounds and also psychologically.

So my main question is as follows; was trench warfare during the First World War generally boring and at times in a state of "paralysis" as were the men, the warfare was minimal at times?

I can add any further information if requested (including the poem "Exposure".
Sorry if I sound basic, or my understanding is basic, but I am only 14 and are
just at the tip of what English really is; a large complex iceberg, deceiving to the eye
but also incredible.
Thanks!

Answer 1

Rowen,

basically all warfare is boring ~ there are more times of boredom than there are of "action" as such that Hollywood would have us see. The trenches were in my view (no different, no worse, no better) than fighting holes (fox holes) later as we know occurred during WW II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf War. The "boredom" you are reading about is the author's ability in an attempt to remain "sane" when he looks around he sees that no "sane" person would intentionally create nor put themselves into this situation. It is what it "was" then however ~ as you get older you may end up reading interesting stories of Prisoners of War (POWs) who used their own methods to keep the mind as limber as they could; sort of the human condition in understanding the persons ability to survive.



I may add more to this later as this is a rather interesting question. Keep pondering a bit more, you're on a good track here.



Gerry

Answer 2

Trench warfare was a prolonged stalemate. However, near the end of the war, the Germans (and later the Americans/British) developed "infiltrator" tactics to gain ground before effective tanks would come around. Small, elite squads would flank and break the enemy trench setup, allowing for reinforcements to eliminate the now-startled opposition.

Answer 3

sure, they did use periscope weapons. i don't think of that it become production facility made yet i've got considered some photographs of distinctive fashions. At this 2nd the only photograph i got here upon seems not very usefull (draw back will throw the gun very just about over his head) yet i've got considered different fashions with an entire wood physique the place the gun become properly mounted in it and the full cradle mounted on the ditch wall (like for a gadget gun positioned up). With quite some great-tuning is could have labored when you consider that each and every become good and the draw back become taken by skill of the physique. It mandatory a mounted place and become not plenty cellular.

Answer 4

Trench warfare was nowhere close to calm. Soldiers on both sides were constantly under threat of charges or gas canisters being tossed in. Trench warfare was very brutal,and never calm.

Answer 5

These links will explain more about Trench Warfare in WW-One



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZDXs3alCXw



and more links to the right at the above link.



This next from a TV series "The Trench"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KzqzIR8x4U&feature=related



Private Harry Patch - the Last British Tommy - in his own words.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXoj_9gnMpA









This has nothing to do with your question - it is the 75th Anniversary of Gettysburg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgLUmiRLqW8&feature=related

Answer 6

Soldiers in World War I spent a lot of their time waiting for the enemy to attack, or for the signal for them to attack. They Didn't have anything to do when they were waiting for something to happen. Yes, It was incredibly boring.

Answer 7

From what I've heard it was pretty much the opposite of boring and I'll take boring.