Anthem for Doomed Youth

Question 1

Themes

Answer 1

Reality of war
Duty
Home Front
Women

Question 2

“What passing bells for those who die as cattle”

Answer 2

Image of slaughter and also animistic suffering. Metaphor demonstrates the reality of soldier’s ‘passing’ funeral rites. as it is almost as if the funeral rites have been satirised.

Question 3

“Monstrous anger of the guns”

Answer 3

Evokes horror though the powerful phonology and personification. Also suggestion of anger at the harsh reality of war.

Question 4

Title

Answer 4

long vowel “doomed” solemnity and sadness at grief of a generation

Question 5

“Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds”

Answer 5

shift in focus, as Owen moves to a deeply reflective and meditative tone, as a result is less angry. Recognition that women too suffer from the realities of war.

Question 6

Structure

Answer 6

Sonnet form that mixes both Petrarch and Shakespearean styles. Initially seems a highly ironic choice of from, but ultimately it becomes apparent that this is a love poem. Response to a Kiphigesque description of battle