Oh What a Lovely War: creation of mood and atmosphere

Creation of Mood and Atmosphere

The mood and atmosphere of “Oh What a Lovely War” is a key part of the interplay between perception and reality, setting up the play’s ironic commentary on the nature of war.

The use of popular wartime songs throughout the play creates an initially jovial and festive mood, contrasting sharply with the grim realities of war that are presented.
The songs, which are known for their upbeat melodies and cheerful lyrics, are imbued with dark irony and satire when juxtaposed with the devastating circumstances of war, creating a disconcerting atmosphere.
The title song, “Oh! It’s a Lovely War,” serves as a recurring motif that threads through the narrative, each time further darkening the mood as the true costs of war become increasingly evident.

Visual aids such as placards and projections are utilised as Brechtian alienation techniques that contrast with, and puncture, the mood created by the songs.
The stark, statistical information presented evokes a mood of horror and disbelief, wrenching the audience from the festivity of the musical interludes.
The grandeur and indifference displayed by the generals and leaders create a mood of anger and frustration, particularly when contrasted with the lives and deaths of the common soldiers.

Despite its serious subject matter, the play is set on a seaside pier, an initially incongruous location that adds a layer of absurdity to the mood and atmosphere.
This setting gradually transforms over the course of the play, moving from an environment of frivolity and fun to a place of devastation and loss.
The use of grotesque and exaggerated costumes for the generals and leaders establishes a sense of mockery and satire, reinforcing the sense of absurdity around the events of the war.

In the final scene of the play, all festive atmosphere is stripped away as the true cost of war is presented in stark contrast, culminating in a moment of profound shock and grief.
This sudden shift from the absurd and satirical to the deeply sobering creates a strong emotional impact, leaving the audience with a sense of mourning and disillusionment.