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? 2Stanza 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? 3Stanza 3:
The dead soldier is flung into a wagon. The poet now addresses “My friend” (war enthusiasts in EnglandE.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?
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:
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?