Oh What a Lovely War: language

Language - Overview

The language used in “Oh What a Lovely War” varies in styles to reflect the multi-dimensional, contrastive nature of the war it portrays. There’s juxtaposition between cheery music hall songs and the harsh realities of war.

The play successfully integrates existing wartime songs. These push forward the narrative while also providing historical and emotional context.
Satirical reinterpretations of these songs often reveal the tragic realities hidden behind cheerful tunes, stirring a sense of irony among the audience.
Certain lyrics also serve as political commentary, for instance, “I Don’t Want to Be a Soldier” reflects sentiments of objects of war.

At times, “Oh What a Lovely War” utilises jingoistic language to satirise the blind patriotism that was often used as propaganda during World War I.
Characters, particularly those embodying military leaders, convey empty promises of glory and honour through excessive patriotic language, highlighting the deceitful nature of war propaganda.
Phrases like “splendid little war” underscore the gross underestimation and trivialisation of the war situation.

Use of military vernacular and slang throughout the play serves to demonstrate camaraderie amongst the troops, and provides authenticity to the wartime setting.
Yet, the irony is that this lexicon, often indecipherable to the common citizen, also alienates the audience, echoing the alienation of soldiers sent to fight a war they may not fully understand.

Different language styles are cleverly juxtaposed in the play, with haughty, almost absurdist language of the top brass shown against the candid, straightforward language of the common soldiers.
Such stark contrast amplifies the chasm between the experience of war by different social classes, aiding the audience’s understanding of class divides during the war.