'Dulce+et+Decorum+Est'+Close+Reading+Questions

__** 1 Stanza 1 : Owen describes a group of young soldiers leaving the frontlines. They are walking to a rest area when they are attacked with gas. - What state are the soldier’s in? Describe. - Which words/language features best show their physical/mental state? - Explain what the line “…blood shod” means. - What image is Owen creating with this comparison and why? 2 Stanza 2: “Five-Nines” are gas shells. In stanza two, Chlorine or Phosgene gas flows from the shells. The soldiers struggle clumsily to put on their masks. - Why are the words “Gas! Gas! Quick boys” in capitals? - How does Owen describe the young soldier who did not get his mask on in time? - What language feature is this? - What affect does the death of this soldier have upon Owen? - Which words describe the fate of this man and why have they been used? 3 Stanza 3:
 * __ Dulce et Decorum Est

The dead soldier is flung into a wagon. The poet now addresses “My friend” (war enthusiasts in England E.g. Jessie Pope) - What images are given of the dead soldiers face and why? - What meaning is behind the line “incurable sores on innocent tongues”? - Who are “the children” and what statement is Owen making here? - Explain what __ardent__ means? - What is “the old lie” and who is it being told to? 4 - Who is this poem aimed at? 5 - What message or idea of war is Owen trying to convey AND how does this contrast with the poetry of Pope and Begbie? 6 - Do you think this poem is effective? Why/Why not? - How does this poem make you feel about war?