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Dulce Et Decorum Est - Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of The Poem

Based on the Poem "Dulce et Decorum Est" by Wilfred Owens

        The poem is one of the most powerful ways to convey an idea or
opinion.   Through vivid imagery and compelling metaphors, the poem
gives the reader the exact feeling the author wanted.   The poem "Dulce
et Decorum Est," an anti-war poem by Wilfred Owen, makes great use of
these devices.   This poem is very effective because of its excellent
manipulation of the mechanical and emotional parts of poetry.   Owen's
use of exact diction and vivid figurative language emphasizes his
point, showing that war is terrible and devastating. Furthermore, the
utilization of extremely graphic imagery adds even more to his
argument.   Through the effective use of all three of these tools, this
poem conveys a strong meaning and persuasive argument.
        The poem's use of excellent diction helps to more clearly
define what the author is saying.   Words like "guttering", "choking",
and "drowning" not only show how the man is suffering, but that he is
in terrible pain that no human being should endure.   Other words like
writhing and froth-corrupted say precisely how the man is being
tormented.   Moreover, the phrase "blood shod" shows how the troops
have been on their feet for days, never resting.   Also, the fact that
the gassed man was "flung" into the wagon reveals the urgency and
occupation with fighting. The only thing they can do is toss him into
a wagon.   The fact one word   can add to the meaning so much shows how
the diction of this poem adds greatly to its effectiveness.
        Likewise, the use of figurative language in this poem also
helps to emphasize the points that are being made.   As Perrine says,
people use metaphors because they say "...what   we want to say more
vividly and forcefully..."   Owen capitalizes greatly on this by using
strong metaphors and similes.   Right off in the first line, he
describes the troops as being "like old beggars under sacks."...