Dulce Et Decorum Est Comparison Analysis

Introduction

Wilfred Owen's poem Dulce et Decorum Est is often seen as one of the most powerful war poems ever. Written during World War I, it takes a hard look at the brutal reality of war, shattering any romantic ideas about it. The title, from the Roman poet Horace, means "It is sweet and proper to die for one's country." But Owen strongly disagrees with this throughout the poem. This essay will compare Dulce et Decorum Est with other war writings to show how Owen's approach is different.

By looking at themes, imagery, and emotional impact, we'll see why Owen's poem stands out in war literature.

Thematic Elements

One thing that hits you right away in Dulce et Decorum Est is how it goes against the idea of glorifying war. Lots of war poems talk about bravery and heroism. But Owen's poem focuses on the horror and uselessness of it all. For example, Tennyson's The Charge of the Light Brigade talks about the bravery of soldiers, even though they faced a tragic end. Owen's poem starts with soldiers "bent double, like old beggars under sacks," which strips away any ideas of nobility. This difference is key to understanding Owen's goal to fight against the pro-war feelings of his time.

Use of Imagery

Imagery is super important in Owen's Dulce et Decorum Est. It paints a vivid picture of how grim the battlefield really is. The graphic details make you feel like you're right there with the soldiers. Phrases like "knock-kneed, coughing like hags" and "blood-shod" create strong images that show the physical and mental toll of war. When you compare this to Rupert Brooke's The Soldier, which gives a calm and idealized view of a soldier's death, Owen's imagery is much more brutal. Brooke's lines, "If I should die, think only this of me: That there's some corner of a foreign field that is forever England," give a sense of peace and honor. Owen's harsh imagery breaks down these illusions, showing war as a nightmare, not a noble cause.

Emotional Impact

The emotional punch of Dulce et Decorum Est is pretty intense. Owen makes you face the awful truths of war. The poem's peak moment, where a soldier dies from a gas attack, is especially disturbing: "He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning." This raw description of suffering hits you hard, making you feel empathy and horror. In contrast, John McCrae's In Flanders Fields has a sad but dignified tone. McCrae's poem is about remembering the dead and urging others to keep fighting. Owen, on the other hand, wants you to feel outrage and disappointment, ending with a strong rejection of Horace's saying: "The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est / Pro patria mori." This emotional difference shows Owen's aim to make people rethink the supposed nobility of war.

Conclusion

Wilfred Owen's Dulce et Decorum Est is a strong counterpoint to the glorification of war. It stands out because it doesn't shy away from showing how brutal and nasty war really is. Through its themes, vivid imagery, and emotional force, Owen's poem tears down the myth of war's nobility. When you compare it to other war literature, Dulce et Decorum Est offers a unique, sobering view that still touches readers today. Owen's sharp critique reminds us of the real cost of conflict, pushing us to rethink the stories we tell about war and sacrifice.

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