War
War is a character that looms large over "1914." Incidentally, 1914 marked the start of World War I (also called "The War to End All Wars"), which engulfed much of Europe and, as the name suggests, the rest of the world. Much of the war was focused on Berlin as the poem suggests ("The foul tornado, centered at Berlin"). Berlin was the home of the Central Powers.
The Four Seasons
The four seasons are characters that loom large over "1914." There is frequent mention to "spring" and "summer" and "autumn" and "winter" - each of the four seasons. Each mention of a season serves to illustrate how awful an effect war has had on Europe. Wilfred Owen writes: "Of sowings for new Spring, and blood for seed."
Failed Empires
Failed empires are a major character in "1914." Like Germany, Greece and Rome (both of which are mentioned in 1914) fell because of constant conflict. "And Summer," says Wilfred Owen, "blazed her glory out with Rome." Also like Rome and Greece, Germany and the rest of the Central Powers failed in the quests because, although they were advanced, they overextended themselves because of unneeded war.
