“Dulce et Decorum Est”

Explain in 3-5 well written, thoughtful sentences.

World War I

• 1914-1918• Allies (United Kingdoms,

France, Russia, USA) against central powers (Germany and others)

WWI background

– World War I saw new weapons and technology never before seen on battlefields: mustard gas, machine guns, tanks, flamethrowers.

– Trench warfare

Trench warfare was extremely long and grueling, and contributed to the many deaths on both sides of the war. Disease was a major cause of death as well, as sanitation was usually poor.

Trench Warfare

Mustard GasThe skin of victims of mustard gas

blistered, their eyes became very sore and they began to vomit. Mustard gas caused internal and external bleeding and attacked the bronchial tubes, stripping off the mucous membrane. This was extremely painful and most soldiers had to be strapped to their beds. It usually took a person four or five weeks to die of mustard gas exposure

Mustard GasOne nurse, Vera Brittain, wrote: "I wish those people

who talk about going on with this war whatever it costs could see the soldiers suffering from mustard gas poisoning. Great mustard-colored blisters, blind eyes, all sticky and stuck together, always fighting for breath, with voices a mere whisper, saying that their throats are closing and they know they will choke."

Summary:

• The poem paints in dark images the brutality of war. The horrors of combat far outweighs its glory. A friend dying in a gas attack is depicted as well as the effects it has on the author.

• Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori = “it is sweet and honorable to die for one’s country”

“Dulce et Decorum Est”by Wilfred Owen

“Dulce Et Decorum Est” Part II Questions

Use a direct quote from the poem to support EACH answer.

1. What is the mood of this poem?

2. How does the speaker in “Dulce et Decorum Est” feel about war?

3. Why does Owen say that “Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori” is a lie?

4. Has your opinion changed - is it right to die for your country? EXPLAIN whether or not your opinion has changed and why.