Meaning: The quote by Siegfried Sassoon reflects the frustration and disillusionment experienced by soldiers who were involved in World War I. Sassoon, a British poet and soldier, expresses his belief that the reasons for entering the war should have been clearly defined and unchangeable, suggesting that this would have allowed for the possibility of achieving the war's objectives through negotiation rather than continued conflict.

Sassoon's perspective is rooted in the context of the historical period in which he lived. World War I, also known as the Great War, was a conflict that involved many nations and resulted in widespread devastation and loss of life. The war was marked by the use of new and deadly technologies, such as machine guns, artillery, and chemical warfare, leading to unprecedented levels of destruction and suffering. As a result, many soldiers, including Sassoon, became disillusioned with the war and its purported objectives.

The quote reflects Sassoon's belief that the lack of clear and unchanging objectives for the war contributed to its prolonged and seemingly endless nature. By stating that the purpose for entering the war should have been clearly stated, Sassoon implies that a lack of clear objectives allowed for the possibility of shifting or evolving reasons for continuing the conflict. This lack of clarity may have contributed to the sense of futility and hopelessness experienced by soldiers who were caught up in the chaos of the war.

Sassoon's suggestion that clearly stated objectives would have made it possible to attain the war's goals through negotiation speaks to his desire for a more rational and less destructive approach to resolving conflicts. In the midst of the horrors of war, Sassoon longed for a path towards resolution that did not rely solely on continued bloodshed and sacrifice. He implies that had the initial objectives been clearly defined and unalterable, there might have been a chance to achieve those goals through diplomatic means, rather than through the prolonged and devastating military campaigns that characterized World War I.

Furthermore, Sassoon's perspective underscores the toll that war takes on the individuals who are called upon to fight. As a soldier himself, Sassoon experienced firsthand the physical and psychological trauma of war. His words reflect the deep sense of disillusionment and moral anguish that accompanied his service, as well as the disillusionment shared by many of his fellow soldiers. The quote serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the need for clear and justifiable reasons for engaging in such conflicts.

In conclusion, Siegfried Sassoon's quote encapsulates the frustration and disillusionment experienced by soldiers in World War I, as well as the broader implications of unclear and evolving war objectives. His reflection on the need for clearly stated and unchangeable purposes for entering the war speaks to the devastating impact of conflict and the longing for a more rational and humane approach to resolving international disputes. Sassoon's words continue to resonate as a powerful commentary on the human experience of war and the enduring importance of clarity and justification in matters of global conflict.