Dulce Et Decirum Est (full)

Question 1

Overview

Answer 1

This is a powerful anti-war poem written by Wilfred Owen during World War I. The title translates to “It is sweet and honorable to die for one’s country,” a phrase that Owen critiques throughout the poem.

Question 2

The theme of the horrors of war

Answer 2

The poem vividly depicts the physical and psychological trauma experienced by soldiers. For example, Owen writes, “Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots, But limped on, blood-shod,” illustrating the exhaustion and suffering of the soldiers. It challenges the glorified perception of war, showing the grim realities.

Question 3

The theme of disillusionment

Answer 3

Owen conveys a sense of betrayal by exposing the stark contrast between the romantic ideals of war and its brutal reality. He states, “The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est Pro patria mori,” directly challenging the notion that it is noble to die for one’s country.

Question 4

The theme of the impact of gas warfare

Answer 4

The poem highlights the terrifying effects of gas attacks, a common and horrific element of trench warfare. Owen describes the horrifying scene with lines like, “If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs,” emphasizing the gruesome reality of chemical warfare.

Question 5

Structure and form

Answer 5

• The poem consists of 4 stanzas with a varied rhyme scheme, contributing to the chaotic feel of the soldiers’ experiences.
• The use of enjambment creates a sense of urgency and movement, reflecting the soldiers’ desperate situation.

Question 6

Imagery

Answer 6

the vivid imagery paints a graphic picture of the battlefield. For example, Owen describes soldiers as “bent double, like old beggars under sacks,” creating a stark visual contrast between the noble ideals of war and the grim reality faced by soldiers.

Question 7

Simile

Answer 7

particularly in the line “his hanging head, like a devils sick of sin.” This comparison intensifies the sense of suffering and chaos experienced during gas attacks, making the reader feel the urgency and terror of the moment.

Question 8

Irony

Answer 8

especially in the title’s reference to the Latin phrase, which translates to “It is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country.” By contrasting this ideal with the brutal experiences of the soldiers, he critiques the glorification of war and exposes the harsh truth behind the romanticized notions of sacrifice. This creates a powerful anti-war message, highlighting the grim realities that soldiers endure.

Question 9

Enjambment

Answer 9

Coveys the soldiers disarray

Question 10

Conclusion

Answer 10

“Dulce et decorum est” serves as a powerful reminder of the true cost of war. Owen’s vivid imagery and emotional depth challenge the glorification of military service, making it a critical piece for understanding the impact of World War I on soldiers and society.