Jules Bourbeau – ’25 talks about his thesis topic – “War Poets” of the First World War
What is your topic and what made you choose it?
I am writing my thesis on Wilfred Owen, one of the great “War Poets” of the First World War. Specifically, I am investigating his collected letters, which were censored by his own brother. Wilfred Owen’s work and story have compelled me since I was 14 and to be able to contribute, however small, to scholarship on him is an amazing privilege. The censorship of the letters is an enduring mystery that few have ever addressed, and I hope to get one step closer to understanding it.
Have you been able to travel for your research and if so where have you gone and how was the experience
I was fortunate enough to receive funding from the Chatfield Fund for my research. I visited the Harry Ransom Center in Austin, TX, where most of Owen’s letters are located. I had spent so many hours examining transcribed versions of these documents that holding the originals in my hands felt surreal. I felt connected not only to Owen himself, but also to a whole community of scholars that have utilized these letters in the past.
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced so far?
The biggest challenge has been accepting that this project – and much of history – is a speculative exercise. As much as I want to uncover the exact words of the censored text, it just isn’t feasible. Instead, I have to combine the context of the censorship with my knowledge of Owen and the era he lived in. In this way, the field of history is very much one of imagination.
What advice would you give to someone currently considering writing a history thesis paper?
Do it! I won’t pretend as if it is not incredibly difficult, but it is also incredibly gratifying. I get to read and write about my favorite topic for an entire year. Choose something you’re truly passionate about and let that guide you through the process. An undergraduate thesis can be just one small step towards a larger, future contribution to scholarship, but it is a first step that very few can say they have taken.
