War Poetry Flashcards
Dulce et Decorum est
Wilfred Owen
Author’s purpose
“The subject of it is war, and, the pity of war. The poetry is in the pity.”
“All the poet can do today is warn. This is why the true poets must be truthful.”
As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.
Hyperbole is used to drive a point home.
Metaphors are used to make it easier to understand emotions and impressions.
He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.
Listing is used to emphasise the author’s point and provides additional detail about what is happening. Shows us that the author is unable to gather his thoughts.
Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud.
Simile is used to draw direct comparisons.
Bent double, like old beggars under sacks.
Simile, compares the stances of the soldiers to that of poor beggars. Different to how the world typically envisions soldiers -> strong and strapping young men.
In all my dreams before my helpless sight.
The author is unable to escape from the dreams and they plague him every night.
