Essay On Dulce Et Decorum Est

It is no surprise that World War I will remain one of the most historical wars in the world for challenging conventions, morals, and values of the American people. World War I comprised of the use of poison gas, the long stalemate on the Western Front, and trench warfare— all of which resulted in the massive loss of human life. Poets like Wilfred Owen who participated in the war, fought in the war, and even died in the war, wrote his poems in disdain towards the great war. Owen released his most famous poem “Dulce et Decorum est” to admonish the people of America that contrary to popular belief, war is anything but sweet and heroic. The author seeks to convince his readers that the horrors of war far outweigh the nationalistic platitudes …show more content…
The poem picks up its tempo as the author realizes he is in a dire situation, “Gas! Gas! Quick, boys!” This change in pace shows a clear difference to the early slow and demanding pace of the march and likewise most of the first stanza. This speeds up the rhythm of the poem and gives the situation more of a frantic feel. The use of exclamation marks in this line envelops panic and urgency felt by Owen and his men. The use of the short, repeated word “gas,” mirrors that of a signal and the use of “Gas! Gas!” are used to reflect the unexpected and sudden nature of the attack
Upon being a first-hand witness of the unfortunate gas attack, Owen also became first witness to his fellow comrade who fell victim to the poisonous gas. His comrade is described to be “flound’ring like a man in fire or lime”. Owen uses this simile to depict the excruciating pain the soldier was feeling, reminding readers the harsh realities of war through the eyes of a tormented individual. This simile is also sorrowful as it emphasizes the extent of the soldier’s distress and the use of “fire of lime” intensifies the soldier’s torture even