Dread and Despair: Deconstructing War in 'Dulce Et Decorum Est'

270 Words1 Page

“Dulce Et Decorum Est” is a World War One poem written by Wilfred Owen, to express the dreadfulness of war and that no glory awaits men. Soldiers will experience slow and painful deaths from their enemies. “He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.” (Line 16) The author wrote this passage because it is an example of men suffering from the mustard gases which he himself saw it happened. At the same time, the surviving soldiers have to watch their comrades die one by one. “Behind the wagon we flung him in, and watch the white eyes writhing in his face.” (Line 18-19) Of how their comrade was thrown into the wagon by them, would only indicate their helplessness for prevention of his death. Young men also won’t hit upon the greatness they

Open Document