Dulce Et Decorum Est Flashcards
Author
Wilfred Owen
Context
During WW1 use of chlorine gas
Opposing proper grander war poets such as Jessie Pope
Structure
Slowly zooms in from walking to gas to the face, represents the truth and reality of war, makes it more terrifying for a reader
Quote that shows their lost masculinity which is the opposite of the propaganda (go to war u will be a Man), also shows the illness
“Coughing like hags”
Shouted line which creates a sudden jump scare and the horror of what it would have been like
“Gas! Gas! Quick, Boys.”
Quote which would usually have connotations to excitement and joy but just makes it even more horrific. The verb could also hint to like shaky hands and stuff
“Ecstasy of fumbling”
Key image of gas, the metaphor is so close to the truth its disturbing
“Under a green sea, i saw him drowning”
3 active verbs in the present make it in the moment and horrible
“Guttering, choking, drowning”
Two quotes about dreams represent trauma and PTSD, damaged by war. Memory are consuming him almost like the gas
“In all my dreams”
“In some smothering dreams”
Quote abt evil which dehumanises the soldier as war has taken away his humanity, sensual horrifying.
“Like a devil’s sick of sin”
Key line abt the title he is so againt war, and is angry at those advocating it. And meaning
“The old lie: dulce et decorum est”
“It is sweet and right to die for your country”