Wilfred Owen’s personal experiences with war and deep contextual knowledge have developed a distinctively memorable image of the overlying theme of pity throughout his body of work. This challenges previously held beliefs on the romanticised nature of war. This concept is particularly evident in two of his most famous poems ‘Dulce Et Decorum Est’ and ‘Anthem for Doomed Youth’ which offer powerful concepts of the pity of war and give the reader the opportunity to the live the war experience through strong poetic language. Owen successfully incorporates a variety of extensive poetic terms and techniques in order to encapsulate the theme of pity. Therefore, ensuring that pity is a memorable image left in the readers mind.
‘Dulce Et Decorum Est’ …show more content…
The title ‘Anthem For Doomed Youth’ is a contrast in itself as an anthem is usually a song of praise but is opposed when we realise the death of youth and the tragedy of war. This title can be interpreted as ironic, or in actual respect of the youth who gave their lives. ‘Anthem For Doomed Youth’ is a sonnet and therefore starts with the strong question, ‘What passing bells for those who die as cattle?’. This beginning line sets a bitter tone for the sonnet which reflects Owens beliefs of the insanity of the British government carelessly sending young men to die at war. This opening question is also a comparison of religion vs slaughter and the effect of the iambic pentameter has a powerful effect on creating a sense of pity by comparing soldiers dying like cattle. The collection of poetic techniques in ‘stuttering rifles rapid rattle’ presents us with alliteration, onomatopoeia and personification which presents to the reader an experience of the sounds of battle, the harsh reality of war and asks the reader to reflect on their own views of war. Thus, challenging the readers previously held beliefs on the romantic nature of war and establish an awareness of the horrific destruction of war in order to ensure they empathise with the
‘Dulce Et Decorum Est’ …show more content…
The title ‘Anthem For Doomed Youth’ is a contrast in itself as an anthem is usually a song of praise but is opposed when we realise the death of youth and the tragedy of war. This title can be interpreted as ironic, or in actual respect of the youth who gave their lives. ‘Anthem For Doomed Youth’ is a sonnet and therefore starts with the strong question, ‘What passing bells for those who die as cattle?’. This beginning line sets a bitter tone for the sonnet which reflects Owens beliefs of the insanity of the British government carelessly sending young men to die at war. This opening question is also a comparison of religion vs slaughter and the effect of the iambic pentameter has a powerful effect on creating a sense of pity by comparing soldiers dying like cattle. The collection of poetic techniques in ‘stuttering rifles rapid rattle’ presents us with alliteration, onomatopoeia and personification which presents to the reader an experience of the sounds of battle, the harsh reality of war and asks the reader to reflect on their own views of war. Thus, challenging the readers previously held beliefs on the romantic nature of war and establish an awareness of the horrific destruction of war in order to ensure they empathise with the