Dulce Et Decorum Est

Question 1

Context on the poem

Answer 1

Written by Wilfred Owen, a soldier in WW1

Owen wrote this poem in response to propaganda, exposing the harsh realities of war

The poem criticizes the idea that dying for one’s country is honorable

Question 2

Summary of the poem

Answer 2

Stanza 1: Describes suffering soldiers marching away from battle
Stanza 2: Soldiers are attacked with chlorine gas.
Stanza 3: The speaker is haunted by the vision of a dying soldier in his dreams
Stanza 4: A graphic depiction of the soldier’s injuries, warning people about the true horrors of war

Question 3

Form

Answer 3

Double sonnet – traditionally a love poem, used ironically

ABAB rhyme scheme provides structure but contrasts with the chaos of war

Question 4

Structure

Answer 4

Irregular stanza length adds to the sense of uncertainty, reflecting the unpredictability of war

Third stanza is isolated, emphasizing the psychological horror of the soldier’s death

First-person perspective compels the reader to envision witnessing the horrific events

Caesura highlights the struggles and suffering of the soldiers

Question 5

Language

Answer 5

Sensory language creates vivid descriptions, making the horror visually impactful

Alliteration & sibilance create a linguistic harshness that reflects the distressing war setting

Sounds appeal to the reader’s senses, helping them fully understand the horrors of war

Realistic, graphic imagery shocks the reader and reveals the true impact of war on soldiers

Question 6

Meaning and Mood

Answer 6

Suffering: Exhaustion of the soldiers, the risk of painful deaths

Emotional suffering: The speaker is haunted by trauma and nightmares

Criticism: Owen challenges the belief that it is sweet and honorable to die for one’s country

Question 7

Key Quotes

Answer 7

Bent double like old beggars under sacks
- similie
- Juxtaposes with the idea of solidiers being strong and fit
- Lost their youth

Gas! GAS! Quick, boys! - An ectasy of fumbling
- Abrupt exclamation marks reflect the soliders panic
- Disrupting the rythm to highlight chaos
- Repition creates a change in pace
- Fumbling - nervous and not prepared

‘He plunges at me guttering, chocking, drowning’
- Present tense stresses the nature of the nightmare
- Repetion of ‘ing’ verbs - immediate and inescapable
- Tells a story progressively - maximise impact