Exposure

Question 1

What does the line ‘Our brains ache, in

Answer 1

the merciless iced east winds that knive us.’
The physical and psychological torment endured by soldiers
It emphasizes the harshness of the weather as a metaphor for their suffering.

Question 2

What is the significance of the repeated line ‘But noth..

Answer 2

ing happens.’
It highlights the sense of futility and stagnation in the soldiers’ experience
This reflects the waiting and despair that accompanies war.

Question 3

What does the imagery ‘The air that ..

Answer 3

shovels black with snow.’
The brutal environment faced by soldiers
juxtaposition (two things contrasting placed in same ideas) used to convey soldiers confusing and disorientation.
It portrays nature as an adversary that adds to their misery.

Question 4

What does the line ‘For love of..

Answer 4

god seems dying.’
A deep sense of hopelessness among soldiers
It indicates that their faith and humanity are being eroded by the horrors of war.

Question 5

What does the phrase ‘Half known..

Answer 5

faces. Their eyes are ice.’
Metaphor
people are simply numbers when it comes to war.
their dead bodies have now become part of nature (ice)

Question 6

Who wrote this and when?

Answer 6

Wilfred Owen - 1920

Question 7

What poems can you compare this to?

Answer 7

Ozymandias - both link to power of nature