Regeneration

Owen is a soldier and patient at Craiglockhart. Owen admires Sassoon’s published poetry as well as his anti-war declaration, and initially approaches Sassoon to have him sign several of his books. However, though Sassoon initially intimidates them, the two men become close friends, bonding over their love of poetry and sharing their writings with each other. Over the course of their relationship, Owen grows in confidence and stature, and their closeness models the value of a loving relationship between men. The narrative heavily implies that Owen develops romantic feelings for Sassoon, and in any case Sassoon means a great deal to him, but fears of being thought strange or labeled a homosexual prevents Owen from ever giving voice to them. On their last evening together, Owen is afraid to speak seriously and the dear friends part with an underwhelming pat on the shoulder, illustrating the sad cost of society’s aversion to homosexuality and men’s fear of contradicting what society expects of them by showing even genuine affection to each other.