Verbal Irony. Verbal irony occurs when a writer or speaker makes a statement that implies its opposite. As you read, consider what is ironic about the title “Dulce et Decorum Est.”
Alliteration. Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds. As you read, look for examples of alliteration.
Image. An image is language that creates a concrete representation of an object or an experience. In the poem, Owen paints a picture of a gassed soldier.
|
Owen’s poems, including the selection “Dulce et Decorum Est,” were published after his death by Siegfried Sassoon. His works contain some of the most quoted lines about the cruelty and wastefulness of war. Owen’s preface to the volume reads: “Above all, this book is not concerned with / Poetry, The subject of it is War, and the pity of / War. The Poetry is in the pity. All a poet can do is warn.” Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori is a line from the Odes of the Roman poet Horace. It means: “It is sweet and proper to die for your country.”
As you read, make a cluster chart of the images used in this description. One example has been done for you.
Do you think war is exciting and heroic or cruel and wasteful? Explain your response.
|
