1914

Question 1

Themes

Answer 1

Reality of war
Duty
Patriotism

Question 2

Title

Answer 2

Sense of historical importance

Question 3

“War broke and now the winter of the world”

Answer 3

Extended metaphor of the seasons. Suggests that the war will bring growth, and rebirth for Britain.

Question 4

“The foul tornado”

Answer 4

Hints to the chaotic nature of war, suggesting that the speaker recognises the destruction war can cause.

Question 5

“For after the spring has bloomed in early Greece, And summer blazed her glory out with Rome”

Answer 5

Sestet locates the poem in a historical timeframe. Greek and Roman Empires suggest that in order to make the British Empire succeed with strength and stability, there is a need for sacrifice which the war will bring.

Question 6

Form

Answer 6

Owen uses conventional sonnet form, no apparent irony. Perhaps to amplify the traditional and pompy tome of the poem.