In his book "Tolkien and the Great War: The Threshold of Middle-earth," John Garth explores the perspectives of various writers regarding World War I. He notes that authors like Graves, Sassoon, and Owen viewed the war as a profound and devastating affliction affecting society, emphasizing its human cost and trauma. Their works reflect a deep engagement with the horrors and moral crises of that time.

In contrast, J.R.R. Tolkien's perspective differed significantly; he perceived the war more as a symptom of underlying issues rather than the core problem itself. This distinction highlights Tolkien's focus on the broader themes of conflict and the complexities of evil, which resonate throughout his literary works.