Dulce et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen Flashcards
British soldiers signed up voluntarily for World War I and saw it as a great adventure and an opportunity to be heroes.
They wanted to show their ____ and go to war for the glory of England. Much of their conception of war came from poets who suggested that war was a glorious experience.
patriotism
What does the Latin title of the poem translate to?
The Latin title of the poem translates as ‘It is sweet and fitting’ suggesting that it is right for British soldiers to die for their country. It was used initially in an ode by the Roman poet, Horace.
Why is the title ironic?
Wilfred Owen was angry at how these young men had been deceived and he was outspoken about the poets and journalists that gave the public false ideas about war, thus the title is ironic.
What is the mood of the poem throughout the poem?
The mood throughout the poem is one of despair and exhaustion.
How does the poem begin?
The poem begins with soldiers marching from one trench to another. We are made aware immediately of their extreme fatigue and the difficulties which they are enduring.
What figure of speech is the line ‘Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,’ ?
‘Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,’ is a simile that compares these young soldiers to beggars weighted down by sacks suggesting their exhaustion and weak physical condition reinforced by ‘knock-kneed’ which conveys their difficulty in putting one foot in front of another.
What does the simile ‘coughing like hags’ amplify?
The simile, ‘coughing like hags’ amplifies the dreary conditions which have made them sick and compare their racking coughs to those of old women (hags).
How is his frustration evident?
His frustration is evident through the use of ‘we cursed’ and the use of the inclusive pronoun reminds the reader that Owen endured these experiences first-hand
What does the reference to ‘sludge’ enhance?
The reference to ‘sludge’ enhances our image of the setting being rainy which has given rise to mud which is making marching even more difficult. There is the suggestion that there will be some rest and respite from fighting for these men as they turn their back on the battlefield.
Despite moving away from the frontline, the ____ from the battlefield still haunt them.
flares
Why is the rhythm slow?
The rhythm is slow to mimic their slow pace and the effort it takes them is conveyed by ‘trudge’.
The conditions in which these men are marching is made clear to the reader and the image, ‘limped on, blood-shod’ provides an idea of their ___ and an image of their ____ feet which makes them go ‘lame’.
pain
bloodied
What is the idea of blindness linked to?
The idea of blindness is linked to their tiredness as they simply cannot see any more because of their exhaustion.
What does the metaphor ‘drunk with fatigue’ suggest?
The metaphor, ‘drunk with fatigue’ suggests they have no control over their actions or bodies just like a drunkard, but for the soldiers it is a consequence of their tiredness.
Not even the ____ of ‘hoots of gas-shells dropping softly behind’ is enough to make them move more quickly – they simply cannot.
threat
What does the rapid shift in rhythm at the beginning of stanza 2 convey?
There is a rapid shift in rhythm at the beginning of the stanza which conveys urgency and the need for them to put on their gas masks before the mustard gas gets to them.
What does the dash in line 9 provide?
The dash in line 9 provides a pause which conveys the soldiers rushing to protect themselves, however, the ‘ecstasy of fumbling’ reminds us of their exhaustion and that their movements are awkward and uncoordinated.
