Parable Of The Old Man And The Young Flashcards
Why is the use of the singular term “man” in the title important?
The singular term suggests the decisions of one affecting many.
What does the poem allude to?
Genesis 22: the story of Abraham and Isaac.
What does the poem suggest about Owens perspective on war?
The poem comments and suggests the extremities and lengths to which conflict is futile and wasteful.
How is wastefulness largely expressed in the poem?
The use of the first born in the parable. “Isaac the first-born spake and said, behold the preparations, fire and iron, but where the lamb for this burnt offering?”.
The use of the first born represents a high value to a family as it continues the name and bloodline. This is such a large request in the parables context to sacrifice a first born, however is necessary to show faithfulness.
First born’s sacrificed in the war had wiped out entire bloodlines and generations. The quote coincides with “and half the seed of Europe, one by one”.
How is faithfulness to ones country rewarded in this poem and through what means?
Owen uses dramatic irony to illustrate that faith is not rewarded with blessings as the original parable suggests.
The change in the parable is so shocking and obvious that it suggests that religion has no place in battle, no god can save you.
