English Notes Latest Questions

In:

What are the poetic devices used in the poem Dulce et Decorum Est?

What are the poetic devices used in the poem Dulce et Decorum Est?
Dulce et Decorum EstEnglish PoetryWilfred Owen

    1 Answer

    2. Radhika
      Best Answer

      1. Simile: Owen uses similes to vividly describe the soldiers and their condition. For example, he compares the soldiers’ tiredness to “old beggars” and their march to a “drunkard.” These similes create vivid and relatable images in the reader’s mind.

      2. Metaphor: The poem includes metaphors that emphasize the physical and emotional toll of war. For instance, the soldiers are compared to “cursed” and “haunting” ghosts, highlighting their traumatized state. The metaphorical description of the gas attack as a “devil’s sick of sin” further intensifies the horror of the scene.

      3. Imagery: Owen’s use of vivid imagery throughout the poem immerses the reader in the battlefield and the soldiers’ experiences. He describes the soldiers as “bent double, like old beggars” and paints a vivid picture of the gas attack with phrases like “guttering, choking, drowning.”

      4. Alliteration: Owen employs alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds, to create a musical and rhythmic effect. For instance, in the line “Knock-kneed, coughing like hags,” the repetition of the “k” and “h” sounds adds to the harsh and unsettling tone of the poem.

      5. Assonance: Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds, is used to create internal rhymes and emphasize certain words or phrases. In the line “And watch the white eyes writhing in his face,” the repetition of the long “i” sound in “white eyes” and “writhing” creates a haunting effect.

      6. Enjambment: Owen utilizes enjambment, the continuation of a sentence or thought without a pause at the end of a line, to create a sense of urgency and flow. It adds to the poem’s rhythm and momentum, propelling the reader forward.

      7. Repetition: The poem includes repeated phrases such as “Gas! Gas! Quick, boys!” and “Dulce et decorum est,” which serve to emphasize key moments, emotions, and the central message of the poem.

      8. Irony: Throughout the poem, Owen employs irony to challenge the traditional glorification of war. The Latin phrase “Dulce et decorum est” (It is sweet and honorable) is repeated, but in a sarcastic and ironic tone, contrasting with the horrors described in the poem.

      Dulce et Decorum Est Summary

      • 0

    You must login to add an answer.

    Need An Account,