Dulce Et Decurum Est
How does Owen present the theme of conflict in World War 1...
The poem “Dulce et Decorum est” by Wilfred Owen conveys the horrors of war and hidden truths of the past century, by undercover the cruelties the soldiers were left to face. The poem is authentic as Wilfred Owen was 'there' to experience the atrocities of the first world war. The poem begins with a glimpse at the soldiers' living conditions and their lifestyle which provided them with untimely age. The poem then describes a dreadful gas attack that follows along with its horrid outcomes. The poem resumes Eventually, the poet confirms the present propaganda to be “the old lie” - as the glory of war is a myth.
Reading this poem, made me realize my own luck and circumstance: I have been fortunate to have avoided the brutalities brought by world war one. The appalling conditions the soldiers were left to face made me appreciate that my own life has not been disturbed. I am devastated by the fact that even today, many innocent people are exposed to such barbarities.
The poem is started unexpectedly: in the middle of action. As if half-way through an incomplete event that has already started. The soldiers are trying to escape the enemy's fire but their terrible health conditions dismiss them from strong immediate actions.
“Bent double, like old beggars under sacks, knocked-kneed, coughing like hags” this statement provides the reader with an unexpected view and appearance of soldiers, as the army cadets are usually picture as strong, healthy and brawny looking men. Owen erases this false image of an athletic soldier, replacing it with a description of a 'beggar' and a 'hag'.This means that the war had caused the soldiers to age prematurely. The following extract from the poems first part hints that Owen was present throughout the events: “we cursed through sludge,”
In this quotation, the poet used his ability to create effective imagery and provides the reader with a feeling of pity for the soldier.
The poem “Dulce et Decorum est” by Wilfred Owen conveys the horrors of war and hidden truths of the past century, by undercover the cruelties the soldiers were left to face. The poem is authentic as Wilfred Owen was 'there' to experience the atrocities of the first world war. The poem begins with a glimpse at the soldiers' living conditions and their lifestyle which provided them with untimely age. The poem then describes a dreadful gas attack that follows along with its horrid outcomes. The poem resumes Eventually, the poet confirms the present propaganda to be “the old lie” - as the glory of war is a myth.
Reading this poem, made me realize my own luck and circumstance: I have been fortunate to have avoided the brutalities brought by world war one. The appalling conditions the soldiers were left to face made me appreciate that my own life has not been disturbed. I am devastated by the fact that even today, many innocent people are exposed to such barbarities.
The poem is started unexpectedly: in the middle of action. As if half-way through an incomplete event that has already started. The soldiers are trying to escape the enemy's fire but their terrible health conditions dismiss them from strong immediate actions.
“Bent double, like old beggars under sacks, knocked-kneed, coughing like hags” this statement provides the reader with an unexpected view and appearance of soldiers, as the army cadets are usually picture as strong, healthy and brawny looking men. Owen erases this false image of an athletic soldier, replacing it with a description of a 'beggar' and a 'hag'.This means that the war had caused the soldiers to age prematurely. The following extract from the poems first part hints that Owen was present throughout the events: “we cursed through sludge,”
In this quotation, the poet used his ability to create effective imagery and provides the reader with a feeling of pity for the soldier.