Poetry: Power and Conflict: Exposure Flashcards
What is the thesis statement for Wilfred Owen’s poem “Exposure”?
In his poem “Exposure”, Owen explores the cruelty of nature amidst war, and its effect on the morality of humans.
What does the repetition of “But nothing happens” emphasize in “Exposure”?
Emphasises the paradoxical / surreal boredom and monotony experienced by the soldiers.
How does Owen use the phrase “merciless iced east winds that knife us…” in “Exposure”?
Personification of nature in a sinister way, highlighting the soldiers’ struggle, creating a sense of fear with sibilance mimicking the wind, and showing the unforgiving nature towards the soldiers.
What effect does the asyndetic listing in “Worried by silence, sentries whisper, curious, nervous” have in “Exposure”?
Creates a rushed, panicked pace, demonstrating the tension and pressure the soldiers are under, contrasting with the poem’s content.
What is the significance of the rhetorical question “What are we doing here?” in “Exposure”?
Reflects the soldiers’ doubts and questioning of their motivation to fight, showing that war is not to be glorified.
How does the structure of “Exposure” enhance its themes?
The cyclical structure and use of anaphora display the repetitive nature of conflict, while ellipses slow the pace to emphasize the soldiers’ boredom and waiting.
What is the contextual background of Wilfred Owen relevant to “Exposure”?
Owen died one week before the WW1 armistice, was shot by a German machine-gun during an unsuccessful attempt to cross the Sambre Canal, suffered from PTSD (“shell-shock”), met Siegfried Sassoon who became his mentor, and his poetry contrasts with the earlier patriotic war poets.
