Dulce Et Decorum Est vs Suicide in the Trenches

flashcards that will revive my will to english

“old beggars” and “coughing like hags”

vulnerable figures —> reduced to weak and degraded men—> challenges glorified image promoted by patriotic propaganda

topic sentence p1

Through confronting imagery and degrading comparisons, Owen and Sassoon challenge the accepted belief that war is a heroic and honourable experience by exposing the physical suffering endured by soldiers.

comparative sentence 1 p1

Similarly, Sassoon undermines romanticised perceptions of military service by focusing on the harsh conditions responsible for soldiers' suffering

“crumps” and “lice”

emphasises relentless discomfort and depravation, war is not glorious but contains constant hardship

comparative sentence 2 p1

While Owen portrays soldiers already physically weakened by conflict, Sassoon exposes an environment that continuously causes this deterioration.

“winter trenches”

the association of winter with coldness and discomfort presents physical agony as prolonged and inescapable

comparative 3 p1

. In contrast, Owen confronts readers with the immediate brutality of battle.

“guttering, choking, drowning”

The triplet and present participles prolong his agony, immersing readers in the horrific reality of death

topic sentence 2

Both poets further challenge the belief that war builds courage and character by revealing the severe psychological damage it inflicts upon soldiers.

a “simple soldier boy” who “whistled” with the lark

with natural imagery conveying youth, optimism and innocence

“cowed and glum”

“cowed” implies emotional submission, suggesting that war has crushed his identity and resilience rather than strengthening his character

comparative 1 p2

While Sassoon demonstrates psychological damage through the soldier's transformation, Owen explores the enduring nature of trauma beyond the battlefield.

“all my dreams”

suggesting that memories of war continue to haunt his consciousness

comparative 2 p2

Thus, while Sassoon portrays trauma as gradually destroying the soldier during war, Owen reveals how it continues to torment those who survive.

“put a bullet through his brain”

Its matter-of-fact tone suggests such suffering has become a common reality of war.

comparative 4 p2

In contrast, Owen's speaker survives but remains psychologically trapped by his experiences.

topic sentence p3

Through accusatory language and confronting imagery, Owen and Sassoon challenge society's patriotic support for war by exposing the ignorance and hypocrisy of those who celebrate conflict from a distance.

“smug-faced crowds”

a contemptuous tone, with “smug-faced” suggesting self-satisfied ignorance of soldiers' suffering

as civilians “cheer” for “soldier lads”

with “lads” emphasising the soldiers' youth and vulnerability, exposing the disconnect between public enthusiasm and the realities of war

comparative 1 p3

While Sassoon attacks the civilians who accept and promote romanticised perceptions of conflict, Owen targets the patriotic ideology that sustains such attitudes.

the old Lie”.

the definite article “the” presents the deception as universal and enduring, while the capitalisation of “Lie” intensifies his rejection of the patriotic values used to justify warfare

the adjective “old” further suggests that this misconception has been passed through generations, allowing society to continue accepting and promoting war

comparative 2 p3

Similarly to Sassoon's criticism of society, Owen suggests that those removed from the battlefield perpetuate false perceptions of war.